[Robotgroup] Detect the Rink. Re: Drive a Droid proposal

[Gray Mack]

Things to consider:

We are talking about a large 200 to 300lbs robot here correct? 
It Moves on very small tires/rollers. We may have to build a custom rink floor anyway to protect the building floor. If it skids at all it could pull up any kind of delicate foil or tarp border or scratch up tile?

I have never seen a reliable omnidirectional 10ft radius beacon. Isn't it too easy to get reflections and drop out? The area needs to be roped off to keep the kids out, the ropes may not be a circle, depends on the room. and the droid needs to be drivable to within a few inches of the ropes so its clear to the operator where you can drive it. 

It has to look authentic "R2". It isn't good to have extra do-dads and gizmos attached that alter the look. A few may be OK if it is for safety and they can be covered by panels or something for photo-ops. This is kind of a big deal in the R2 builders world.

In any case an operator needs to be standing by to assist, its just a matter of how alert they need to be on the override control. 

Be prepared for the funding to come last minute, the whole system may need to be completed in days rather than months.

-Gray