Water Games!

[Cyberguy34000]

Well this isn't the 20XX game thread or anything. Just thought you guys would be interested in this. It popped up on slashdot a few hours ago. Have fun!

http://www.marinetech.org/rov_competition/index.php

[Termite233]

looks fun...

[Ian Curtis]

ya thats pretty cool. In fact a FIRST team won last year. Team 842. There is a discussion about it in the FIRST in the news section of the forum I believe.

[DarMagi]

Under water challenges are much more fun. Right now are team is working on a submarine project that will run completely in auton mode with the help of sensors to pick up pool rings at the bottom of a pool. At least I think that's what it is going to do *shrugs*. Anyways, it's all pvc and legos, as well as using RoboLab to program the sub for its adventure to the deeps of the local pool =).

[Crown Of Flames]

A submarine game would sure add another factor to change the game, and would certainly help with game variety, but the dynamics of putting a huge pool in the middle of some of the places we usually have Riegonals would be a huge undertaking in itself. I am interested in how someone would go about building a waterproof bot though. An amphibious game would be a huge challenge too, perhaps a variation on one of the past games, using a sloped field with "water hazards" or something. This could also increase the number of companies interested in sponsoring a FIRST team as well, perhaps spawn more teams that otherwise may not have formed.

[DarMagi]

I am interested in how someone would go about building a waterproof bot though.

Well, the only thing that has to be water proofed are the electrical connectors and the interfaces and what not. Overall the materials you use normally on a bot, aluminum and plywood, may not really like water, but will be able to tolerate water for the time of the competition with out damage. As for the interfaces, we used an otterbox that you can buy at an electronic store to help keep our electronics nice and dry. As well, there are chemicals that waterproof motors, and even contrainers that allow motors to stay dry, in our case we are going to use 35mm film cases with holes in the lid to run the wires out, of course with everything being sealed afterwards to no water happens to find its way into our electrical =).

[Justin_302]

All I can say is WOW. It looks really cool and if I could, I would participate in it. It's kinda like FIRST......underwater. One big question...how long is the build periond? Six weeks is already short enough for a land robot.

[Rombus]

Looks awesome! I'm glad someone put those MIT Punks in line! :D

In any case here are my thoughts on a water based first game:
1. You wont see a complete water game next year, Why? Well:
a. Logistics, thats alot of water, and that can cause alot of problems for some event locals
b. Hints: There has been nothing to suggest a water game, This years camera was foreshadowed by the IR Sensors last year and the comment "Remember to learn how to use sensors well"
2. it would be awesome, especially to see Dean floating on a raft at kickoff!
3. It would do one thing very well: level the playing field. Think about it, since the beginning all we have been dealing with is wheeled robots, It could be argued that most vet teams have a pretty good idea on how to build a good wheeled or tracked bot to go on the ground, but none of them have experience in water.
4. Chances are you wont see a complete water game any time soon, One of the other mentors on my team thought moats would be cool, or having to bridge a gap of some sort with water under, but not a full water playing field the first time out.

I also think a cool playing field would be like a off road field, like a moonscape.