Last year at worlds, a few students from our school looked at how other teams transport robots. Teams bring them in wooden boxes, cardboard boxes, or sometimes not in anything at all. Believing that this could be a problem for some teams, members from 2131D began a project called Robox. They wanted to create a specifically-purposed carrier for VRC robots that holds all the equipment, batteries, chargers, etc. that team would need. The current version of this product is a well-padded box with 1/4" polycarbonate sides, pouches on three sides with one specifically designed to hold batteries and chargers, a wheeled base that has a collapsible dolly, and several straps to carry it all with. It’s approximately a 2’ cube. The entire container opens up via zippers and clips to be able pack a robot in any way. I’ll be able to post some pictures later. What I wanted to do was see how much interest there is in the Vex community for this kind of a product. Come by the 2131 pits at worlds to see it, and we’ll be able to explain it in greater detail. Thoughts, comments, questions?
Definitely interested.
But it will be good if it is a max of 18" cube - so that it will be within the size limit to check-in into the plane.
And also, do consider the durability of the material used - I still believe that our boxes are thrown around by the cargo handlers.
Right, sorry, I was referring to the overall dimensions of the container. The inside is just over an 18" cube. I’m thinking that there will be several sizes and versions available. What other kinds of materials do you think would be durable enough? We were considering a carbon-fiber or fiberglass version, but that could have been expensive.
We made sure the dimensions of the bag would meet requirements to be able to be checked on the airplane. As for making sure it doesn’t get thrown around, we made sure the outer design of the bag is strong enough to protect the bag, but can’t ensure anything. We would suggest putting fragile stickers onto the bag.
We did however just have a team test checking it on after worlds and they did see that the employees checking it weren’t too careful with the bag, but the design did protect the robot and it made it home without any harm.
Make sure to check out our website: www.roboxbags.com and look for us on Kickstarter to pre-order your bag.
The Robox looks like it would be nice for local events, but I can gaurantee that my robot will travel in a Pelican 0340 when getting on an aircraft. I have had stop-overs where we stayed on the plane and could see baggage handlers loading the aircraft in a way that would make me scared to have soft sided luggage much less a soft sided robot case. I do think you are on the right path, perhaps some rigid plastic or thin plywood panels that velcroed inside the case for transport would be good. The charger pockets are really nice. If this doesnt take off you might consider your next efforts being robotics focused Pelican case inserts for chargers and tools to go along with the bot.
Yeah, I need this 
Whatever you pack your robot in had better be tough. Our flight out of Anaheim got cancelled because the baggage handler punched a hole in our airplane. I’m not sure he or she used his or her fist or if he or she drove a truck into it, but the plane was deemed not flightworthy after said hole was established.
On the up side, we got a later flight but missed our connection in Dallas, so we got to spend a night at The Night hotel courtesy of our airlines. The Night is one of those places you’ve just got to see it to believe it. I think you can rent rooms there by the hour. Maybe even by the minute. So if you’re visiting Vex in Texas, keep The Night in mind.
EDIT: on second reading, I don’t really want to sound negative about The Night. In reality, the place has a kind of unique artistic twist to it. And the people there were very friendly and helpful. If nothing else, I’ve got to give credit where credit is due: nobody working there managed to punch a hole in our wall.
Maybe selling foam inserts that fits in this as well as pelicans could also be a good accessory set.
Keep those wheels off the ground though. Add some Styrofoam blocks to rest the chassis so the axles don’t get bent and add some bubble wrap around the sides.
Nice concept!
Hey Vex Competitors! Just wanted to give you all a bit of an update on Robox Bags. We are still in the process of getting our product ready for all of you competitors. We have had some great feedback and now just making a few adjustments for the final product. Make sure to follow us on social media and visit our website www.roboxbags.com for all the latest. We want you all to have an easy way to transport your robot soon!
Also, we have seen some concern with teams worried about how the bag would do going through baggage claim. We had a team test it coming home from the last World competition and the bag came back in good condition. We are making sure the frame is thick and will protect your robot.
I thought I saw all the posts on this thread before but apparently not. This made me laugh wayy too hard lol
Ah, The Night. This post brings back memories now. The hotel was kinda like Dallas, Texas meets Salvador Dali.
http://exp.cdn-hotels.com/hotels/1000000/20000/13900/13841/13841_190_z.jpg