Balance

This entry into the contest is a balancing mission. Learning about how a model is balanced is critical in getting the best performance out of a robot. In this mission, the goal is to balance as may crates onto the truss as possible. 

The model demonstrates a few techniques. There are several angled beams in the model to add the strength from triangular shapes. The main balancing arm is designed as a truss structure. The model also uses gears to add enough rotational inertia to keep the main truss from swinging too wildly. Both techniques can be useful in each team's robot to determine how consistently it performs. 

Around the field mat, four crates would be positioned. To balance them on the truss structure requires thoughtful placement of each crate, as they each have different weights.

Mission scoring: 

10 points for each crate attached to the truss and NOT touching the mat. 

30 additional points if the truss is relatively parallel to the ground (within about 10 degrees).