Motor Driven Shooter

Robot in three days update.

Their catapult supports failed, they have now changed to a motor driven catapult.

See the video

Using motors for a catapult will probably be more consistent and safer than surgical tubing/elastics/springs. In comparison with 2008, this year has the more precise task of scoring into a goal instead of just hurling a larger ball. Using surgical tubing is a great way to store energy for rapid release, but it also stretches over time and doesn't have well defined spring rate. If the launch mechanism can be powered purely by motors, I would recommend it.

One of the key flaws of the "big ball" robot was the possibility for the plunger to be fired unintentionally (ie: vibration causing the winch to shift) and basically causing major damage. It could also very well take someone's head off because of the amount of energy required to actually launch the ball for that year (a safety pin was added to prevent that). The plunger also had to be "reset" to its drawn position every time before a match, which is an extra step which can be avoided with motors.

having motors would also be nicer for packaging and has less geometry to worry about...it would also make it easier to control the throw (rather than a mechanical stop that has to be adjusted during testing, code could be changed for more or less arc
im for using motors if its possible

if were going with the current, holonomic design, well have two cim motors we could use, or window-door motors should get the job done too

We will need to use CIM motors for the throwing. I don't believe that the window motors turn fast enough.

- Ben