2008: FIRST Overdrive

FIRST Overdrive was played on a game field, called the track, which was carpeted and had the dimensions of 27 by 54 feet. The overpass spanned across the center of the field. Running lengthwise were the lane dividers, a six foot tall structure. The lane dividers were approximately 27 feet long and filled with clear plastic.

The game field, called the track, was carpeted and was 27 by 54 feet. The overpass spanned across the center of the field. Running lengthwise was the lane divider, a six foot tall structure. This was approximately 27 feet long and filled with clear plastic. These two structures helped to define the finish line which was right below the overpass. The lane marker was collinear with the lane divider and defined the home stretch (see field diagram above).

Game Pieces

The game pieces were trackballs which were approximately 40 inches in diameter and about ten pounds. At the start of every match, four trackballs were randomly placed on the overpass. There were two trackballs for each alliance. At the start of every match, each team was guaranteed to have at least one of their alliance’s trackballs on the overpass above their home stretch.

The Game

Six teams, two alliances of three, competed  on the track in FIRST Overdrive. The objective of the gamewas to make counter-clockwise laps as rapidly as possible while moving trackballs over or under the overpass. The game was divided into two periods: hybrid and teleoperated. The match, including both periods, was two minutes and 15 seconds long.

Hybrid Period

During the hybrid period, the robot completely relied on programming. During the hybrid period, the robot could also receive signals from the robocoach via IR. This period lasted 15 seconds.

Teleoperated Period

The teleoperated periodwas a two minute period in which drivers operated the robot. The robocoach could still send signals to the robot.

Scoring

Our Solution: Amelia

• Drivetrain

  • Six wheels, two skid wheels and four omni-wheels.
  • Four driven by two Andy Mark Tough Boxes with 12.75:1 gear ratio and one CIM each.

• Arms

  • Two formed PVC pipes
  • Driven by kit van door motor
  • Pneumatic grab and release

• Ball Shooter

  • Two-halves of a garage spring with a combined force of over 300 pounds
  • Driven back by two globe motors
  • Released by small kit pneumatic

• Ball Swatter

  • PVC pipe with pneumatic winch

• Sensors

  • Kit hall effect sensors in both transmissions
  • Yaw rate sensor

• Features

  • Fully Modular construction