Ramp Test: v1 platform failed → v2 continuous ramp working

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I’m testing what the Matrix10 Ultra can realistically climb in a real house setup, so I built a DIY ramp and iterated the design based on what the robot actually did.

Goal:

Create a reliable way for the robot to get over a step/level change without getting stuck, wheel-spinning, or bottoming out.

Build v1 (FAILED): ramp + level platform + final “threshold”

Materials:
- Two timber battens with angled cuts at 12 degrees
- Ramp surface lined with the back panel of an IKEA wardrobe (smooth + lightweight)

Why it failed:
The “platform + final small threshold” idea sounds good, but in practice, the robot can’t do a threshold movement off the end of a ramp.
It needs a clean approach and traction to “bump” a threshold — and transitioning from ramp → platform → step didn’t give it that.

What happened:
- It would reach the platform, line up, then fail to pop the last lip.
- Any slight misalignment = the front catches / wheels lose the right push angle.


Build v2 (WORKING BETTER): continuous ramp all the way up

Instead of asking it to do a “step” at the end, I changed it to one continuous incline all the way up.

Immediate improvement:
- Much more consistent approach
- No “end-of-ramp threshold” moment where it loses leverage


Notes/tips
- The smooth IKEA back panel works surprisingly well as a ramp skin for testing. But I will be making the final model in matching floorboards and possibly clear grip paint.
- The key lesson: avoid a threshold at the end of a ramp, give it a continuous climb.


Questions for the community
- Has anyone found the maximum reliable angle for Matrix10 Ultra without wheel slip?
- Any ramp surface material people recommend for best traction (especially if you mop frequently)?
- If you’ve solved a similar step, did you find a sweet spot for ramp length vs angle?


Current setup:
- Step height: 19 cm
- Ramp length:  98cm
- Ramp width:  49cm
- Angle: 12°
- Surface: IKEA back panel (99cm)
- Result: success rate 100%

Plan to add more details on the ramp including testing different widths to see what I can get away with

3 months into the temporary ramp and no issues to report.  The matrix10 happily uses it to go between floor levels.  Only issue I had was caused by duck tape I used to smooth out the bottom which was identified as a material.  Caused a few missed cleans.  But once I removed it on the map it was fine again.  
The final ramp won’t use duck tape ☺️