THE PROTOTYPE
Here is a cardboard prototype of Slap Happy. It is a
wedge bot with a spinning weapon on the back. The angle on the weapon side provides
a wider striking range for the weapon (as opposed to a straight horizontal or vertical
configuration) and also allows the front wedge to scoop up an opponent into the path
of the spinning weapon. The idea is to strike as many blows as I can to my opponents
in hopes of disabling them, either by breaking something loose inside their robot, or
by destroying a wheel. However, since this is only a 12-pound bot, my only real hope
is that it will display an entertaining fight.
The particular version of the prototype shown here is an earlier version that does not
show the side panels. I have also cut the front at angles, making the leading edge
narrower.
UPDATE: Here is a recent picture of the prototype. You can see the additional side panels
and the narrower nose. I am not certain if this is the final design profile (especially
since the actual robot is being built a little narrower to save weight), but I suspect it
will be very similar.
There are other additions to this version, including a couple of protruding whatchamacallits
on the face and a couple LEDs. My hope is that I can pop my opponents up a bit just before
they get whacked so it really sends them flying. I also thought it might be entertaining
to have a couple of bi-color LEDs on the front - like eyes - that flash. I might even use
them to indicate status information (like battery level warning, receiver signal continuity,
etc.).