Hey Theo! Look forward to seeing your projects unfold over hopefully not that many months, and getting duffed up at Robodojo by the results later this year.

As for your historical "bodged" robots, I think your innovation under pressure is really impressive, as is your ability to successful drive robots with drive on only one side, mismatched wheels and so on. Everyone brings something different to the competition and I don't think your past efforts are any less worthy than a masterpiece of CNC machining or whatever. Still, it's great that you're taking a positive view and aiming to develop other skills. You've given yourself an ambitious but perfectly reasonable plan and I'm sure your vision will carry you through.

Thanks for taking the time to document your efforts (it'll doubtless be good motivation for you as well, but I for one will enjoy following this thread).

Quote Originally Posted by Theo View Post
...when I waited for a good hit, it felt that much more special

This seems like a good start.

Quote Originally Posted by Theo View Post
...Arduino proximity sensor might be in order here… I made an IR Theremin a couple of years ago
That sounds awesome (if slightly scary in the pits ). Can I move that the proximity sensor retains the Theremin function when installed in the robot, thus creating a sense of rising 60's horror movie tension? Also, generally, tell me more about this Arduino Theremin!