1.8mb AVI

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

It was to be heavy and strong and be able to react to nearby or attacking robots.

Question 2: What technologies/mechanisms did you use?

"Territorial Imperative" had front and rear touch sensors, and a rotating touch sensor. And of course front and rear light sensors to detect the edge of the ring.

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

The weight limit was definitely a challenge. I kept track of the weight all along, but at one point I had to remove two drive motors to get back under 2 lbs.

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

I thought the rotating touch sensor was sort of unique. It would actually locate a nearby bot (within touch range) and respond by turning approximately toward the other bot, then push. Unfortunately, on the day of the competition I didn't think to recalibrate the sensor. It auto-calibrates the light sensor, but I had one light sensor and two touch sensors (one with a certain resistor) on one input, and the arm touch sensor was out of the preprogrammed range. I wondered why it hardly ever seemed to detect the other bot, but I didn't figure it out until the drive home.

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

I thought it would have more traction than it did. It weighed in at 2.000 lbs. I think it was the only tracked vehicle there (?), and Jona was kind enough to point out for my future reference that tracks generally don't get as much traction as most of the wheels. I will definitely keep that in mind for Sumo V!