IRI - How It Works

[Chris Fultz]

I have had a few questions about the IRI and how the team invitation system works. Here are some of the basics.

1. We will open up an "Application" system where teams can indicate if they would like to attend. The application requires team name, team number, contact information, and a short answer of why you want to attend and what you can "bring" to the event (special capability, lead something, the MC :D ), etc.

2. After the application period closes, we will evaluate all of the teams that applied. The primary factor is Robot Performance in 2012, but other factors are considered. We do not publish the criteria.

3. We will send out invitations to teams. We invite more that we expect and then have a deadline for commitment and payment to assure a full field. There are usually a few invited teams that cannot attend for different reasons.

Entry fee, dates and other information will be released soon.

[akoscielski3]

When do Applications come out for teams to fill them out?

I would LOVE to attend, just gotta see if my mentors are willing to go too, :)

[daniel_dsouza]

Can you tell us what the registration cost is? Our team is interested in off-season events, but we are somewhat strapped for cash.

[Mk.32]

We would love to attend, especially after making improvements to the bot; regional wasn't the best...

But two questions: how do teams generally ship the robot? and how good does one need to be?

[Chris Fultz]

We will have details on the registration and cost by April 16.

2011 was $650 I believe.

Most of the robots competing have won or been runner-up at their regionals, but that is not the only criteria.

Most teams just bring in their robots, but we can help with shipping arrangements for very distant teams.

[fox46]

I know 3756 is interested. They only got to compete in one event this year due to a lack of funds but there has been a great deal of buzz around attending an invitational. They managed to seed 5th in Waterloo and made it to the semis but I am confident that had their shooter gearbox not grenaded during quarters and they had some additional field time they would have been even closer to the top. Keep us posted!

[aldowyn]

Hmm. What's the date? I think with just a few changes (AKA finish the image tracking) our robot could be VERY competitive, and I'd sure love to compete again. We should be able to come up with $650, though it'd be a looong drive to Indy.

[Foster]

It may be a long drive for you, but in my case it's well worth the 10+ hours from Philadelphia.

-- Top Robots
-- Amazing competition
-- The IRI talent show never fails to amaze
-- Some of the best corn-on-the-cob in the world (Indiana sweet corn rocks!!)

[Chris Fultz]

And there will be some new things for 2012 ...

:D

[tylerobot]

You guys should allow the best shooter robots to compete in a game of H-O-R-S-E (or F-I-R-S-T), taking turns shooting from different parts of the field.

[sanddrag]

Team 696 intends to apply and hopes to attend. We believe our robot and team are of the caliber of others competing at IRI, and that the robot has a lot more potential than it was able to exhibit in Long Beach. We're looking forward to the application process opening.

[Billfred]

It may be a long drive for you, but in my case it's well worth the 10+ hours from Philadelphia.

-- Top Robots
-- Amazing competition
-- The IRI talent show never fails to amaze
-- Some of the best corn-on-the-cob in the world (Indiana sweet corn rocks!!)This. It's almost twelve hours with stops from Columbia, but neither mileage nor airline delays nor wrecked rental cars will stop me from coming to IRI. Seeing the teams there keeps me working as a team mentor. Seeing the event happen keeps me working as an off-season leader.

And there will be some new things for 2012 ...

:D
This is me, ducking and covering.

[Richard Wallace]

You guys should allow the best shooter robots to compete in a game of H-O-R-S-E (or F-I-R-S-T), taking turns shooting from different parts of the field.Not H-O-R-S-E.

P-I-G. Autonomous P-I-G.

We're talking Indiana. :D

[Littleboy]

NO
Not horse or pig.
FIRST or FRC depending on how long it would take.

[qzrrbz]

Not H-O-R-S-E.

P-I-G. Autonomous P-I-G.

We're talking Indiana. :D

Does Paul have to kiss it again?

[Richard Wallace]

Does Paul have to kiss it again?Not if 217 wins. ;)

I guess that is up to the Thunderchickens programmer.

[Chris Fultz]

We were thinking of using the robots to tip cows.

[dodar]

We were thinking of using the robots to tip cows.

I dont think 1538 will enjoy that very much.

[Chris Fultz]

some cows are just plain chicken.

[akoscielski3]

No Joke. We named our "Bridge Manipulator" a "Cow Tipper". We always refer to it as that. Even though the first one didn't work. We usually say "Cow Tipper" at first when we are talking about the bridge manipulator, happens all the time when talk to judges. :)

[fox46]

What about a game of "Bump" - remove the return chutes under the hoops and line up robots on the opposite end of the field. The game is played with two balls and as many robots as one dares (probably 6). The first robot drives over the coopertition bridge with a ball loaded and takes a shot. As soon as the ball is in the air, the next robot can cross the bridge with a ball loaded and takes a shot. If the first robot misses the shot, they have to collect their ball and shoot again. Once they sink a basket they collect their ball and cross one of the alliance bridges, pass or feed their ball to the next machine in line and rejoin the queue. However, if the proceeding robot scores a ball before the first robot, the following robot crosses the bridge as soon as the second returns to the opposite end of the field and feeds its ball to the third machine. If the third robot scores a ball before the first machine has made it's shot, it must exit the field where it is powered down and removed from play. The last robot remaining wins!

[jwfoss]

After what I would call our most exciting and heartbreaking season, FRC2168 is strongly considering applying for the first time to the IRI for 2012.

[bam-bam]

After what I would call our most exciting and heartbreaking season, FRC2168 is strongly considering applying for the first time to the IRI for 2012.

You'd better. :)

[jwfoss]

We will have details on the registration and cost by April 16.

Any updates on this? I understand that this is a very busy time for those teams attending championships.

[Chris Fultz]

we will have an update tomorrow with details and dates.

working through some final agreements.

[Travis Hoffman]

Not H-O-R-S-E.

P-I-G. Autonomous P-I-G.

We're talking Indiana. :D

B-A-C-O-N :p

What about good old fashioned human eyeball-aimed shots?

You get three balls to make a shot at each location on the field. Autoaimed, manually aimed, or otherwise. Sounds kinda fun!