Intuitive Surgical and Google
Intuitive Surgical and Google each had a chance to build and battle robots this week. Two companies known for innovation didn’t disappoint on modifications to the attack arm.
One of the great aspects of the Robot Build and Battle team event is the ability to modify the attack arm for strategic advantage. Each event presents many versions. There are several pictures above including: extra long- extra low, 90 degree sidewinder, extended normal, upside down extended, upside down normal, and “double ramps!”
Modifications can make a big difference in battle. The scoring system gives more weight to flipping a robot versus pushing it out of the arena or popping balloons. Popping balloons can be the easiest way to score. So teams decide on how to maximize scoring given this matrix.
“Double Ramps” is a great example of going all in on flipping robots. Although it kept its needle, it’s situated such that only a lucky hit would be likely. Indeed, double ramps team were exalted with each flip, watching their unique and crazy idea produce real results!
A popular model, for which there are several versions, is the extended “joust” model. It takes the form of the longest extended arm possible with minor deviations of the height, pin angle, frame attachment, and final piece angle. This model is high on the risk/reward spectrum. It generally leads to more scoring through its advantages in reach and slim design, however, it also exposes the robot to be flipped more; a nice leverage arm for any who find it.
Teams often aim to go “upside down.” The thinking is that they will be able to get under the other robots and “flip” them over. Indeed this is an advantage of this design that actually works. One downside from his design in general is that upon lifting the robots, the upside down arm can get caught in the frame of the other robots; thus exposing your balloons on your defenseless rear end for easy popping. Having said that, the upside down bot, on the far left above, won the “last bot standing” finale of its event!
A huge thank you to Intuitive Surgical and Google for the innovations in “robotry” they shared and for having has us back again and again!
