2008 FIRST Robotics Challenge: Overdrive

This year's game uses 40" diameter balls, which start out on a 6.5'-tall bridge-like overpass. The goals of the game are to remove the balls from the overpass, drive counterclockwise around the 54-by-27-foot field, and push the balls under or over the overpass. Bonus points are awarded for balls that are placed on the overpass at the end of the game.

Each match begins with a 15 second hybrid period, during which the robot can accept four inputs from a robocoach, and otherwise work off of autonomous code. The match continues with a 2-minute driver-operated period, when a two drivers control the robot with a team-developed operator interface.

The game is played by two alliances, each with three teams. The alliances are randomly chosen during the preliminary rounds. After the completion of these rounds, on the Saturday of each of the regional competitions, the top eight seeded teams choose alliance partners with whom to compete in the elimination-style final rounds.

As in past years, the game will be a combination of defense and offense. Robots can signal their intent to pass by bumping another robot's bumper. At the same time, robots that are in the process of hurdling, that is, moving the ball over the overpass, are immune from interference by the other alliance.

Game Animation