[FTC]: COTS Freedoms

[PHFTC]

I know the new manual reads with a 'single degree of freedom' but isn't this a pretty fundamental/monumental change? Basically any COTS part with no moving parts seems to be allowed as I read. There might also be some loopholes for electronic COTS via the expansion board as well without thinking much about it. Seems like the most dramatic rule change. Will be interesting to see how that changes things. Any thoughts?


last year's manual
"In general, COTS are not permitted with the following exceptions:"

This year:
"COTS parts and assemblies may only have a maximum of a single degree of freedom. ... "

[Foster]

I for one welcome the new COTS overlords. :rolleyes:

It's a big change and lots of team will really use that flexibility in their designs.

I also see it as more blurring between FTC/FRC and allow teams to have more of a manufacturing / machining / part creation experience. I'm interested in seeing if there are robots that have more COTS parts than FTC kit parts.

[Andrew Rudolph]

I think its awesome, there were many frustrating things we couldn't use. I cant even tell you how many hours we have spent making hinges out of raw materials instead of being able to just buy a $1 component.

[ftcTeam6389]

I think its awesome, there were many frustrating things we couldn't use. I cant even tell you how many hours we have spent making hinges out of raw materials instead of being able to just buy a $1 component.

I 2nd this emotion!

:)

[PHFTC]

Simple parts are the easy consideration and I imagine the reason for the rule change. I also see the other end of the spectrum where well funded teams can purchase some expensive hardware.

I wonder if it'd make sense to swap platforms, sans the tetrix electronics one could just use actobotics parts, or vex materials right?