Autonomous?
 

Hello -

Just wondering...When a team places there robot on the field to await Autonomous to begin, are they allowed to place their robot anywhere within their key?

I'm wondering if our Alliance decides that we aren't the best bot to use the Kinect, can I write an Autonomous script for a specific place(s) within the key, granted the Alliance agrees to the location?

Thanks.

Re: Autonomous?
 

I don't see why not. Your robot must start touching the key, so as long as that condition is met your should be fine.

Re: Autonomous?
 

There is a difference between the "key" and the "top of the key." The key is the entire rectangle with the semi-circle, the "top" of the key is the semi-circle. I understand that in the rules, the semi-circle is called the key, but the common basketball term refers to the entire area. I just wanted to make that clear in case someone reading this isn't familiar with the FRC rules but knows basketball terminology.

Re: Autonomous?
 

You may want to read the rules again. The key is only the top semi-circle. The rectangle is simply for looks. while talking about FIRST try to be talking about the FIRST field, not the basketball court. This is just confusing people.

Re: Autonomous?
 

To the OP:

I would advise having at least three separate spots pre-programmed. Why three? Two other robots may want the exact same spot you do. Having three that don't contact each other ensures that you have at least one available even if both partners want a spot that you have pre-coded.

Re: Autonomous?
 

Later in my post I acknowledge that the FIRST rules call the key the semi-circle. I was pointing that out for the benefit of those who are proficient in basketball terminology but may not know the FIRST terms. I'd hate to see a team program their robot based on a position in the rectangle because they think it's part of the FIRST key and have to rewrite their code or give up autonomous all together.