First Robotics

[NSTG8R]

Thanks!
I believe there is some auto scoring, and there should probably be more. It would be difficult, but certainly do-able!

Dang! Got me thinking about it.

How about cameras calibrated to the dimensions of the playing field, reflective dots on the robots and target objects, and some motion tracking software to create the 3D environment. We have a portable, crazy accurate version for confirming part/tooling location at work.

 

[CompTrex]

Dang! Got me thinking about it.

How about cameras calibrated to the dimensions of the playing field, reflective dots on the robots and target objects, and some motion tracking software to create the 3D environment. We have a portable, crazy accurate version for confirming part/tooling location at work.

Sounds great, but since we currently work out of a corn crib, and have to scrape together every dime to get the thousands of dollars that it currently costs to participate, I'm thinking something that slick may price us out of competition.

 

[NSTG8R]

Sounds great, but since we currently work out of a corn crib, and have to scrape together every dime to get the thousands of dollars that it currently costs to participate, I'm thinking something that slick may price us out of competition.

That IS a shame. I'm definitely not a Gov't hand-out kind of guy, but the knowledge and experience these teenagers are getting exposed to is one of the few things I would consider "grant worthy" in my book. Ken and yourself are creating a better future for your students, and eventually all of us (USA) when they graduate and join the workforce. Kudos to you and Ken. You're ranking very high on my 'worthy cause' list.

 

[Ty]

Here, here!

 

[CompTrex]

That IS a shame. I'm definitely not a Gov't hand-out kind of guy, but the knowledge and experience these teenagers are getting exposed to is one of the few things I would consider "grant worthy" in my book. Ken and yourself are creating a better future for your students, and eventually all of us (USA) when they graduate and join the workforce. Kudos to you and Ken. You're ranking very high on my 'worthy cause' list.

Well, actually, one of the MANY things that this whole program entails is fund raising. It's supposed to teach about writing proposals, presenting to corporate muckity mucks, and handling the finances. But because we are a small team (15 or so students) we don't have the luxury of creating a:

• media team
• recruiting team
• design team
• drive train team
• special ops team(s)
• tee shirt team
• banner team
• pit team
• fund raising team
  
• logistics (transportation and lodging) team

etc. Some teams have 50, 60 students and they are able to divide up the responsibilities further than we are able.
It's all good though.
And with this last match, the students (and mentors) had to refrain from being angry at the injustice and exude 'Gracious Professionalism', which is the trademark of FIRST.

 

[NSTG8R]

Well, actually, one of the MANY things that this whole program entails is fund raising. It's supposed to teach about writing proposals, presenting to corporate muckity mucks, and handling the finances. But because we are a small team (15 or so students) we don't have the luxury of creating a:

• media team
• recruiting team
• design team
• drive train team
• special ops team(s)
• tee shirt team
• banner team
• pit team
• fund raising team
  
• logistics (transportation and lodging) team

etc. Some teams have 50, 60 students and they are able to divide up the responsibilities further than we are able.
It's all good though.
And with this last match, the students (and mentors) had to refrain from being angry at the injustice and exude 'Gracious Professionalism', which is the trademark of FIRST.

Incredible! I don't know where you find the time to mentor these kids, but I'm sure glad you do.

PS - If I was a teenager and there was something like this going on, I want to be on the "small" team. The victories would be sweeter!

 

[CompTrex]

Incredible! I don't know where you find the time to mentor these kids, but I'm sure glad you do.

PS - If I was a teenager and there was something like this going on, I want to be on the "small" team. The victories would be sweeter!

Our kids certainly do seem to feel they have real investment in the outcome.
That being said, there are teams out there that a lot of the team members probably never touched the robot during the build season, but they, say, arranged transportation, or created the web site. These kids end up being the cheering squad during the competitions.
It's pretty funny when they do introductions. Some teams, it's be like "Now, team XYZ", and the crowd ERUPTS with screams and cheers. For us, it's like "Team 1731!"...golf clap... We will never win a team spirit award. Half our team is on the floor driving and the other half is in the pits getting ready for the next match.

 

[JEBar]

congratulations to you and your kids .... they are building memories that will last a lifetime .... as to the judges, sounds like they got their training from figure skating judges

 

[CompTrex]

Our kids certainly do seem to feel they have real investment in the outcome.
That being said, there are teams out there that a lot of the team members probably never touched the robot during the build season, but they, say, arranged transportation, or created the web site. These kids end up being the cheering squad during the competitions.
It's pretty funny when they do introductions. Some teams, it's be like "Now, team XYZ", and the crowd ERUPTS with screams and cheers. For us, it's like "Team 1731!"...golf clap... We will never win a team spirit award. Half our team is on the floor driving and the other half is in the pits getting ready for the next match.

And I certainly don't want to take away from the large teams. Our team teaches robotics, engineering, math, and competition. The goal of FIRST is also to teach marketing, media, fund raising, planning SCRUM techniques, budgeting, organization skills, etc. There is a life learning experience in there for anyone, even if you don't know a wrench from a hack saw. We just don't have the luxury to be able to reach that many kids.

 

[NSTG8R]

And I certainly don't want to take away from the large teams. Our team teaches robotics, engineering, math, and competition. The goal of FIRST is also to teach marketing, media, fund raising, planning SCRUM techniques, budgeting, organization skills, etc. There is a life learning experience in there for anyone, even if you don't know a wrench from a hack saw. We just don't have the luxury to be able to reach that many kids.

Too bad the Elio Owner's forum only allows one "like"!