NASA-WPI Centennial Challenge for $1.5Million

[JohnFogarty]

I'm surprised to say that out of the 8 teams that competed last year, I knew of none that were correlated to FIRST teams. Why not guys? This challenge seems way to simple for FRC teams. Look at the prize purse, imagine the possibilities.
http://wp.wpi.edu/challenge/2012-13-challenge-documents-information/
Check out the documents^
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2012/oct/HQ_12-377_NASA-WPI_2013_Robot_Competition_Registration.html
Read the press release here^

I'm from Graniteville the small town in graniteville where the only team that qualified to compete last year originated. Let's see some FIRSTers win this!

[JohnFogarty]

The registration to a part of this competition is cheaper than FRC and you're competing for MONEY.

[PVCpirate]

the main skill the robots need is autonomous navigation. Have you watched autonomous periods in FRC before?

[jerry w]

I am putting together a team. It is not connected to FIRST team 79. However, I have asked some of the alums. We still need wiring expertise and Image processing experience. Most of team-79 alums are no longer in the local area. I am hoping to get at least 1 more team member. Please, send me a message if you know someone who can join us.

thanks
Jerry

[JohnFogarty]

@PVC Pirate, Yes I have? I was a former FRC member and now and FRC mentor. While the Autonomous period is still something we lack higher skills in, there have been those teams that have risen to the challenge.

@Jerry W, That's great to hear! Good luck to you!

[Francis-134]

I'm surprised to say that out of the 8 teams that competed last year, I knew of none that were correlated to FIRST teams.

I know for sure that one of the teams had two (of three) people who were also mentors for an FTC team.

[JohnFogarty]

I think you are referring to the Graniteville, Spacepride, Team, yes they are affiliated with Aiken County Robotics. I'm actually just referring to the non participation in other areas of the country.

[PVCpirate]

@PVC Pirate, Yes I have? I was a former FRC member and now and FRC mentor. While the Autonomous period is still something we lack higher skills in, there have been those teams that have risen to the challenge.

Sorry if that came across as rude, I just think it would be extremely difficult for a team of high school students to pull off this challenge, especially since they have build and competition seasons between now and then, and more worth their time to focus on FRC. I'm not saying I'm right or wrong, that's just what I think.