Our robot has a weight problem that is causing it to move much slower and turn a lot less than we tell it to in the code for autonomous. Is there any way to reduce weight without causing problems to our robot?
(Photos are not available, sorry)
Unless you add counterweight, most weight remove effect robot.
Optimize structure can help reduce weight the most(like not using large plate).
Make sure your motors / wheels are supported well, and that your center of gravity is low and balanced. You could try and compensate in your code by turning up the values, or maybe replacing parts with lighter alternatives if possible.
Use Aluminum metal, it’s much lighter.
According to my research, a cubic meter of steel weighs around 7,850 kg, compared to aluminum’s 2,700 kg (not sure if this is right for VEX, but it’s still the same concept).
So if you had a ~20 lb robot of steel, you could turn it into:
20 lb * \frac{2700 kg}{7850 kg} = 6.9 lb
Meaning you could save 13 pounds for a 20-pound robot of steel.
I would but the robot is already completely built, next robot we sure will use lighter metal, thanks!
We’ve tried, but we’ll try counterweights again
will try that out, thanks!
Did you set the velocity of you drivetrain to 100% in your code
He is playing vex IQ
It vex iq general discussion
And replacing the same volume of steel with aluminum would reduce its strength, replacement should be based on strength.
Wait!
I mean unless you add counterweight, most weight remove effect robot.
Witch if you use counterweight, remove counterweight do not effect robot’s performance.
My translation has some issues, I apologize.
yes we did, didn’t change much
Funny thing is that our robot runs on aluminum and we tripled crowned at state last year without drivetrain breaking 
However, I do want to point out that the robot is moving slower because of weight, and adding counterweight would make the robot heavier, so it wouldn’t work out either.
Back on the main topic about IQ robots, you could:
- See if you can add more motors to the drivetrain. More power = Move faster or stronger
- Try to minimize bracing on your robot. Maximize the effectiveness of bracing rather than having multiple braces.
- Identify the heavier parts of your robot and see what you can do to lighten those areas
That’s about as much as I can say without seeing your bot. Good luck!