Heather — 2003

David working on Heather's drive train

One of our most storied robots, Heather played the 2003 game Stack Attack. On the field, Heather became known for her ability to tip over opposing robots and her habit of occasionally exploding the plastic game pieces, sending blue or red shards flying across the field. She was powerful and fast on the field, and could win any pushing match due to her large wheels. She was a valued alliance partner because she could clear the opponents' game pieces from their side of the field well before the end of the match. Heather ended up seeding 3rd at the Phoenix Regional and taking Semifinalist, and taking Finalist at the Los Angeles Regional.

Heather on the assembly table

Technical Specifications:

Weight: 90 lbs.
Height: 18 inches

Drive Train

– Four motor drive implemented successfully
– Four large wheels with deep tread for traction

Mechanical

– Four arm system for picking up game pieces (plastic bins)
– Powered by two globe motors

Electrical/Programming

– Cool flashing light for high field visibility

Heather was originally designed and built with a suction cup system which would deploy and "suck" four rubber cups to the HDPE surface on the top of the ramp/platform. Originally, the system was designed to be deployed by nichrome wire burning a nylon cord, but after much deliberation with FIRST, this was disallowed. The system worked as intended, but after a short period of game play, the ramp surface became so scratched that suction could not be maintained, so the system was removed.