The Messenger – 2005
Game robot was designed for: Triple Play
Brief Description of Game: The object of the game is to attain a higher score than your opponent alliance by placing tetras on or into goals, getting three goals in a row capped with tetras, and/or having all three robots on an alliance in their end zone at the end of the match. For more information visit http://www.usfirst.org
Frame: FIRST kit chassis
Drive System: 7″ Lawnmower wheels powered by two CIMS on the 2005 kit gearbox, geared down for a speed of 7 ft / s.
Manipulator: Two extendable manipulators. The primary manipulator was a double hinged arm with a pneumatic claw for capping tetras on the center and side goals (human loader only). A secondary manipulator was mounted on a turret to score under goals.
New Concepts: Turret system, multiple autonomous codes device.
Components Discarded: None.
The 2005 robot is frankly the best performing, and yet the simplest machine produced by Team Mercury thus far. The 2005 build season started off with a heated debate over which strategy to pursue, offense (capping), or defense.
The design was very simple since we used the FIRST chassis and drive (geared down using sprocket transmission). This approach provided us with more time for manipulators, programming, and testing, which was one highlight of this year. The simplicity in design also made the robot very consistent during competitions and no major problems or failures at competitions! The robot was not capable of capping more than 5 or 6 goals per round, however due to our well developed strategies and preplanning with alliance partners, the team performed exceptionally. At the 2005 championship, The Messenger was undefeated throughout the preliminary rounds in the Galileo division, and thus the #1 alliance seed!