1.88mb AVI

Question 1: What was the general strategy or plan behind your bot design?

I had promised to build a RIS Only class robot for Sumo-bot 5. Little D was the RIS only version of my Open class robot, Dubya.

Question 2: What technologies/mechanisms did you use?

For enemy detection, I used two touch sensor based feelers, one on the left-front and one on the right-front. For edge detection I used the light sensor mounted beneath the front slope.

Question 3: What was the most challenging aspect of construction?

Because I had a design to base this robot on, it came together rather quickly. The most challenging aspect would have to be not having enough axles in the lengths I wanted. Actually, limiting yourself to the contents of the RIS kit is quite a challenge indeed.

Question 4: Are there any special features you care to talk about?

I am extremely happy with the performance of the enemy feelers. I mounted a swinging arm between 2 technic plates that used a yellow rubber belt for springiness. The program watched for the touch sensor to open, this was seen as a positive enemy detection. Because of how the swing arm could swing in and out but always return to center (due to the rubber belt), the feelers performed stunningly well.

Question 5: What surprised you about how your bot behaved/performed during the event?

During testing prior to the event, I was rather surprised at how aggressive Little D seemed to be. In fact, this robot beat both of my other robots consistently during testing. At the event, I was surprised to find myself in the final match for the RIS Only class.