View Full Version : Karthik & 1114: Effective FIRST Strategies 2016 - Championship Conference
With the Championships in St. Louis rapidly approaching, I'd like to remind teams of the FIRST Championships Conference (http://www.firstchampionship.org/welcome#block-block-53) which will be taking place. Myself and Team 1114 will once again be delivering our seminar on Effective FIRST Strategies, taking place from 7:00 to 8:30pm on Wednesday evening in the Ferrara Theatre. This year, FIRST has graciously given us 1.5 hours to present on this topic, which will allow us to cover some topics at a much more in depth level than the past, as well as covering some topics specifc to the 2016 season and FIRST Stronghold. Also, since this is the last presentation of the evening, I plan on talking on until security throws us out of the building. ;) (Seriously though, this year when security asks us to leave, we have to leave. It's not fair to them!)
In the past, this presentation has always been given in a conference room that got a little bit crowded (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151343751411507&set=a.109579246506.105424.507886506&type=1&permPage=1). However, thanks to the awesome people at FIRST this year's presentation will once again be taking place in the Ferrera Theatre, located outside of the pits, which seats up to 1500 people. I don't think we'll even be close to filling the theatre up, but it'd be awesome if you tried. :)
Here are the threads discussing previous editions of this seminar:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136185
www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115843 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115843)
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...50#post1156250 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1156250#post1156250)
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...05#post1054705 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1054705#post1054705)
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=76778 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76778)
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=84958 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84958)
Here's video from the 2013 version of this presentation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Apk_X-maRf8
Here's video of the TEDx talk that was inspired by many of the elements of this presentation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfC3JdkEVgQ
And the abstract:
This presentation focuses on three major areas, Strategic Design, Match Planning/Execution, and Scouting. Rather than spending time on equations and detailed calculations, the Strategic Design gives a more high-level overview of how to design an FRC robot. This portion of the presentation includes sections on such often neglected strategic design areas such as Game Analysis, Chokehold Strategies, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Task Prioritization, and Tradeoffs using a case studies from past games. The Match Planning/Execution section of the presentation discusses effective habits and strategies that will help lead a team to victory. This is a must for those who enjoy the strategic aspects of FIRST. The Scouting section deals with effective techniques to collect information on your partners/opponents, and how to make the most of this data. Advanced statistical metrics analgous to "Sabremetrics" in baseball will also be discussed. The presentation is filled with entertaining and insightful historical FIRST anecdotes from the past 18 years. With the information in this presentation, you can turn your team from a mere competitor to a perennial powerhouse!
If there are any topics you'd like to discussed in detail, or questions you'd like answered, post them here and we'll be happy to address them during the presentation. One of my favourite parts of this presentation is the interactive nature of the whole thing. If you're looking for a straight lecture on all the topics, I suggest you watch the webinars we did this fall as part of the Simbot Seminar Series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG_KOHBuXHNdxeFJBcio6sOEVMR821tkV). The Championship edition varies in that the presentation contains more anecdotes and stories from the past, as well lots of live feedback from the audience.
Oh yeah, I guess we'll talk about what terrified me back during build season (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1537179#post1537179) and how that played out throughout this season...
If you're really into FIRST strategy, looking for personal inspiration, or just want some good FIRST related laughs, this is a presentation you won't want to miss.
For information please visit the following link:
http://www.firstchampionship.org/welcome#block-block-53
I hope to see all of you there!
engunneer
11-04-2016, 13:03
Oh yeah, I guess we'll talk about what terrified me back during build season and how that played out throughout this season...
Would love to see a webcast of this on gameday... just saying...
Sperkowsky
11-04-2016, 13:19
Would love to see a webcast of this on gameday... just saying...
I believe it is recorded every year not sure about streamed. If it isnt streamed I am willing to do it all I need is internet however I have no clue whether I am allowed or whether FIRST already does it.
Regardless I will be in attendance.
Pauline Tasci
11-04-2016, 13:20
Can't wait!
Jay O'Donnell
11-04-2016, 13:45
Unfortunately I won't be flying in until late Wednesday night due to finals, so I'll be missing it again. A recording would be much appreciated!
marccenter
11-04-2016, 13:48
Karthik,
One element of your strategic presentation discusses using a single manipulator with an additional element to complete two game tasks versus the use of dual manipulators. (Multi-functionality, consolidation).
For the 3548 robot, and others, we modified our front ball. intake to add wheels that are used to raise the portculllis. The simple addition of 4 inch AM white wheels allows us to raise the portcullis in both teleOp and Auton. Other robots may have needed to add more complicated end effectors to raise the portcullis during teleOP and struggled to perform well during Autonomous period.
I think Karthik's presentation uses a much older example for this function and can be updated for this years game, Stronghold
GreyingJay
11-04-2016, 14:05
^ We built a single ball manipulator too and were very pleased that it could pull triple-duty as the cheval de frise and portcullis manipulators. Whether or not this was intended from day 1 will remain undisclosed.
In any case, I had the pleasure of attending this seminar last year and it was EXCELLENT. If your team is going to Championship, bring your whole team to this presentation.
plnyyanks
11-04-2016, 14:06
Would love to see a webcast of this on gameday... just saying...
If someone gets me a stream, I will make that happen
Jacob Paikoff
11-04-2016, 14:23
I really hope that someone records the presentation, especially this year with all the unique strategies of Stronghold.
I haven't been able to make it in the past due to volunteer commitments and it'll be the same this year, but I still really want to see it.
This is one of the best sessions in the conference system at CMP every year. Highly recommend! 1923 brought the whole team last year, and every single one of us came out of it learning something new. Absolutely fantastic.
Throwing my vote in for recording/streaming as well. It'd be wonderful to have in the archives.
GreyingJay
11-04-2016, 14:43
I'm half tempted to fly to St. Louis with a 4K camcorder and record it myself :p
Rivet Man
11-04-2016, 15:20
Karthik,
One element of your strategic presentation discusses using a single manipulator with an additional element to complete two game tasks versus the use of dual manipulators. (Multi-functionality, consolidation).
For the 3548 robot, and others, we modified our front ball. intake to add wheels that are used to raise the portculllis. The simple addition of 4 inch AM white wheels allows us to raise the portcullis in both teleOp and Auton. Other robots may have needed to add more complicated end effectors to raise the portcullis during teleOP and struggled to perform well during Autonomous period.
I think Karthik's presentation uses a much older example for this function and can be updated for this years game, Stronghold
Hi marccenter,
Although I've never watched one of Karthik's presentations I have heard about them!
I think that putting in the example that you generously provided about your own team's experience would help the audience lock onto the topic at hand. Do you have any video of this mechanism in action? I tried searching thebluealliance for it but had a bit of a tough time finding this device opening the Portcullis.
Again, always love to see how engaged people are! I'll be riveted to my screen later tonight when I get around to watching one of Karthik's old videos (These are posted on Youtube, right?).
Best Regards,
RM
AdamHeard
11-04-2016, 15:30
Hi marccenter,
Although I've never watched one of Karthik's presentations I have heard about them!
I think that putting in the example that you generously provided about your own team's experience would help the audience lock onto the topic at hand. Do you have any video of this mechanism in action? I tried searching thebluealliance for it but had a bit of a tough time finding this device opening the Portcullis.
Again, always love to see how engaged people are! I'll be riveted to my screen later tonight when I get around to watching one of Karthik's old videos (These are posted on Youtube, right?).
Best Regards,
RM
Rivetman,
It'd be a great boost to the first community for you to host a workshop on fastening methods.
What do you think?
PayneTrain
11-04-2016, 15:46
I can't wait to miss this when we decide to attempt a rebuild at champs again!!! :(
We'll get people there.
Rivet Man
11-04-2016, 16:43
Rivetman,
It'd be a great boost to the first community for you to host a workshop on fastening methods.
What do you think?
Hi AdamHeard,
While I would like to share my knowledge of fastening methods with the community there are two issues with me doing one of these workshops.
1) I have never actually been on a FIRST team! I'm sure there are a number of intricacies that I haven't considered.
2) Although I'm trying to make my way out to World Championships I don't know if I can take the time off to make the drive!
Another issue (Issue "C" - as it's not part of my main list I like to change from numbers to letters, helps me remember that I sorta changed pace!) is that a talk on fasteners can't really just be on fasteners! Fasteners are just the glue (or rivets!) that hold everything together! I wouldn't know where to begin there's so much material to tie together (No pun intended).
Thank you for the request though AdamHeard! I had no idea that the community would be so interested in what I know, consider me flattered!
Best Regards,
RM
synth3tk
11-04-2016, 17:04
With the possibility of my school bringing back the team, I'm definitely looking forward to this!
If one of the fields goes into sheer chaos and massive riots due to a missing field queuer, you'll know why. :D
Topic of interest:
How did Tower Capture influence strategy decisions related to the choice of high cycles vs high points?
My interest is related to a medium resource team. We chose to go with high cycles into the low goal (>6) rather than low cycles into the high goal (<=3) to increase chances at tower capture. I'm not sure this was a good strategy for our team.
Thanks!
In 2013, I had no real idea as to what division I wanted to focus my efforts on, but basically due to this conference and seeing how it affected a team's performance, I was inspired to dedicate my time to my team's Strategy division, and I've never regretted it.
I highly recommend going to this conference, as it will definitely improve the performance of your team at competition, no matter what kind of robot you're competing with.
I really hope that someone records the presentation, especially this year with all the unique strategies of Stronghold.
I haven't been able to make it in the past due to volunteer commitments and it'll be the same this year, but I still really want to see it.
I agree with Jacob. I will be inspecting robots during the presentation, but would otherwise love to attend. We need a recording posted soon after the event!
Katie_UPS
19-04-2016, 12:04
We need a recording posted soon after the event!
If someone gets me a stream, I will make that happen
I really hope that someone records the presentation, especially this year with all the unique strategies of Stronghold.
Can I add a requirement to this? Can we please get decent audio? The last recorded one was using the mic on the camera, which was decipherable but also awful -and does Karthik's presentation no justice. It would be awesome if someone recorded the audio off Karthik's mike and synced it up to the video in post. I'll even sync the audio/video if someone gets them to me.
Joe Johnson
19-04-2016, 13:09
<snip>
Oh yeah, I guess we'll talk about what terrified me back during build season (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1537179#post1537179) and how that played out throughout this season...
<snip>
Karthik,
As you know we've had a number of (non-CD) discussions on this topic. I hope you will react to my contention that FIRST (inadvertently or by design, I don't know) literally saved the season by having the low bar consistently be the #1 defense.
Yes, there were terrifying aspects to the fact that 90% of teams were designing their robots to go under the low bar but you also have to admit that one side effect of so many teams trying get their robots under the low bar (even if they failed to ACTUALLY be able to limbo*) is that these robots end up with a much lower CG than they would have absent that design goal.
Even so, I think I have seen more "wheels to the ceiling" flipped robots this year than any year in FIRST since I started in the 1996 season. It is terrifying to me to think how many robots would be flipped on the defenses had FIRST NOT put their thumb on the scale by having the one constant defense be the low bar.
I think this merits a word or two in your presentation -- if for no other reason than to get the idea into FIRST's head that they need to be smart about the incentives they build into future games*.
Free advice. A bargain at twice the price...
Dr. Joe J.
*by the way, I predicted "at best we'll have 50% limbo bots once you exclude robots that have no other skills beyond just being able to limbo. (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1532484&postcount=2)" Does anyone have the data to make a chart that shows % of limbo teams for each week of the season? Love to see where things actually landed.
Monochron
19-04-2016, 14:33
Disappointing that this conference is at the same time as Jared Russel and Tom Bottiglieri's talk about Computer Vision + Motion Control. Tough to choose!
marccenter
19-04-2016, 15:43
Hi marccenter,
Although I've never watched one of Karthik's presentations I have heard about them!
I think that putting in the example that you generously provided about your own team's experience would help the audience lock onto the topic at hand. Do you have any video of this mechanism in action? I tried searching thebluealliance for it but had a bit of a tough time finding this device opening the Portcullis.
Again, always love to see how engaged people are! I'll be riveted to my screen later tonight when I get around to watching one of Karthik's old videos (These are posted on Youtube, right?).
Best Regards,
RM
Here's an example from the FiM Southfield district event during autonomous in match 63. The large, 4 inch wheels added to the ball intake mechanism are used to raise the portcullis during auton period.
http://www.thebluealliance.com/match/2016misou_qm63
Never had a chance to catch one of these in person, but they're always great and informative! Hoping to see a live stream or a video afterwards :)
GreyingJay
20-04-2016, 10:11
Here's an example from the FiM Southfield district event during autonomous in match 63. The large, 4 inch wheels added to the ball intake mechanism are used to raise the portcullis during auton period.
http://www.thebluealliance.com/match/2016misou_qm63
I don't have a video example (yet? maybe when North Bay posts their archives) but we discovered that our robot could use our shooter to raise the portcullis, as well as lower the cheval de frise. It could in theory, with some minor rework, shoot high goals. We tried to make high goals work with it as-is, but it was too inconsistent for us to do in real matches because we had no intermediate stop between up and down.
Here's (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/43091) a picture of our robot.
itsjustjon
20-04-2016, 13:03
Karthik, you are my idol. You are legendary and this conference is a great idea. Kudos.
This guy xD
couvillion
20-04-2016, 15:47
Karthik,
As you know we've had a number of (non-CD) discussions on this topic. I hope you will react to my contention that FIRST (inadvertently or by design, I don't know) literally saved the season by having the low bar consistently be the #1 defense.
I think by creating a need for a small robot, they also split the game into two. Where high resource and low resource teams could contribute more equally.
A team with a lot of members and resources probably would not choose to restrict themselves to a small chassis that restricted their ability to add a lot of features. But teams that only could build a moving part, or two could compete within their "weight class" and still contribute to the success of the alliance.
I think that dynamic is under appreciated by the many large high performing teams and might be the best aspect of the game this year. It would be interesting if the teams that are going to St. Louis are of a different distribution of average size than previous years.
BotDesigner
20-04-2016, 16:04
Karthik,
As you know we've had a number of (non-CD) discussions on this topic. I hope you will react to my contention that FIRST (inadvertently or by design, I don't know) literally saved the season by having the low bar consistently be the #1 defense.
Yes, there were terrifying aspects to the fact that 90% of teams were designing their robots to go under the low bar but you also have to admit that one side effect of so many teams trying get their robots under the low bar (even if they failed to ACTUALLY be able to limbo*) is that these robots end up with a much lower CG than they would have absent that design goal.
Even so, I think I have seen more "wheels to the ceiling" flipped robots this year than any year in FIRST since I started in the 1996 season. It is terrifying to me to think how many robots would be flipped on the defenses had FIRST NOT put their thumb on the scale by having the one constant defense be the low bar.
I think this merits a word or two in your presentation -- if for no other reason than to get the idea into FIRST's head that they need to be smart about the incentives they build into future games*.
Free advice. A bargain at twice the price...
Dr. Joe J.
*by the way, I predicted "at best we'll have 50% limbo bots once you exclude robots that have no other skills beyond just being able to limbo. (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1532484&postcount=2)" Does anyone have the data to make a chart that shows % of limbo teams for each week of the season? Love to see where things actually landed.
The lowbar didn't just save Stronghold from a tortuga epidemic. just by seeing how many flips have occurred as a result of bumper to bumper contact, I thing that without the lowbar it would have happened 10 times as often as a result of the high bumper zone.
Um, is there any chance there's an update on this presentation getting recorded/streamed? As tempting as it is for me to actually drive down to St. Louis to watch it...
engunneer
27-04-2016, 13:13
Um, is there any chance there's an update on this presentation getting recorded/streamed? As tempting as it is for me to actually drive down to St. Louis to watch it...
There is a "Conference" webcast on TBA gameday. I'm not sure what else will be there.
Um, is there any chance there's an update on this presentation getting recorded/streamed? As tempting as it is for me to actually drive down to St. Louis to watch it...
...
all Championship Conference talks will be recorded this year, so you don't need to choose between this session and Karthik's...you can have both!
...
Do you know where these recordings will be uploaded?
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
Do you know where these recordings will be uploaded?
I recommend that you search the thread containing the quote I posted. If you don't find the answer there, try posting your question there.
So I heard from someone that Karthik commented tonight that this is his last year of FRC, anyone confirm this? If so, I understand... he seems to be spread too thin with all the Vex growth and Championship overlap next year.
So I heard from someone that Karthik commented tonight that this is his last year of FRC, anyone confirm this? If so, I understand... he seems to be spread too thin with all the Vex growth and Championship overlap next year.
I saw this tweet on the FRC Top 25 Twitter (https://twitter.com/FRCTop25/status/725498566043521025).
cadandcookies
27-04-2016, 22:53
So I heard from someone that Karthik commented tonight that this is his last year of FRC, anyone confirm this? If so, I understand... he seems to be spread too thin with all the Vex growth and Championship overlap next year.
I was there. If I remember correctly, he said this would be his last year mentoring FRC with 1114. He said something about still emceeing in Canada, though.
evanperryg
28-04-2016, 22:41
I was there. If I remember correctly, he said this would be his last year mentoring FRC with 1114. He said something about still emceeing in Canada, though.
He said he would still be involved as an emcee, and I believe he said he would continue to present at champs (please correct me if I'm wrong). This is my fourth year coming to the championship, but my first time coming to Karthik's presentation. In retrospect, if I had known what I was missing out on, I would have made sure to show up every year. Not only was the presentation informative and entertaining, it was inspiring to see FRC from the perspective of someone who has really seen it all. There's only so much you can get from a low-quality video on YouTube; seeing it live is a must for anyone going to champs.
pmangels17
03-05-2016, 21:13
Any updates on the whereabouts of a recording of this presentation?
Any updates on the whereabouts of a recording of this presentation?
I second this inquiry
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
I third this independent royal commission into the whereabouts of this video
TheMilkman01
05-05-2016, 07:44
I third this independent royal commission into the whereabouts of this video
Commission accepted. (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148225)
Commission accepted. (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148225)
Thanks for getting this recording posted! I've also been told that FIRST will have their recording posted as well.
Thanks to everyone who attended this year's presentation and all the kind comments I received throughout the weekend. I've done a lot of seminars and speeches over the years, but this presentation is always my favourite solely because of the passion and engagement of the audience. Basically, it's really cool to talk about something you love with a bunch of other people who love it as well.
So I heard from someone that Karthik commented tonight that this is his last year of FRC, anyone confirm this? If so, I understand... he seems to be spread too thin with all the Vex growth and Championship overlap next year.
The 2016 season was my last as an FRC mentor, however I will be continuing as a volunteer. After so many years of thinking about FRC non-stop, I just felt it was time to take control of my life and get some well needed balance. I still love this program and all the opportunities it has afforded me, and I hope to continue to make an impact and give back to the community. And yes, I hope to continue to give this seminar at a Championship each year, as long as they fit within my professional and personal schedules.
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