Re: "Most Improved" Award 2015
 

Yes we do actually. The biggest difference is that we decided including Coop scores in the OPR calculation would be a misleading measure of a robots value in elims (since a robot that can get 40 points through coop in a certain amount of time is very likely not to be able to score 40 points in elims with that same amount of time through conventional stacking).

Our solution was to calculate sub-oprs and total them (without coop) to get a "special" OPR value which we felt was more useful (and also not readily available in other places). Now, it's definitely not perfect as it penalizes some teams who spend time on coop they could spend scoring conventionally, but this problem is only significant for teams that are exceptionally fast at stacking and scoring (like 2056). For run-of-the-mill teams, it keeps coop from inaccurately inflating their OPR. Of course, the difference in the math for what we do vs what Ed Law does makes our values slightly different inherently, but they both run on the same foundation of linear least squares estimation that OPR is generally associated with. Adding coop sub-opr to our "special" OPR gets roughly comparable numbers. We ended up liking our numbers a lot more over say thebluealliance though, so we ran with it.

If you're interested, head over to http://team955.org/opr. We also have a global rankings page based on our numbers here.

Re: "Most Improved" Award 2015
 

I am extremely proud of my team's improvements this year as well. For the last 8 years I don't think we have ever changed our robot throughout the season, and boy we should have. This year we made some significant improvements after each competition and it showed.

Starting off at the Pioneer Valley district event we were putting up one stack of four and another stack of three, occasionally capped. We were having trouble aligning to the chute and the totes would slide all over when stacking. Unfortunately our lift motor failed in the finals and we could only make stacks of two. Example match.

For Seneca we added aluminum tabs to make sure the top totes were aligned and meshed with the the bottom tote. We mocked them up using combination squares and replaced them with some angle. It worked great for totes, but the recycling containers would tip forward when grabbed. Two PVC four-bar guards were added to prevent our stacks from tipping. We ended up making two stacks of four, one or two capped. Example match.

At Upper Darby we brought a new top claw that would hold the RCs while stacking and redesigned the tote tabs to keep the can upright. Both worked very well and allowed us to consistently make two noodled and capped stacks of four and an uncapped stack of 2-4 totes. We saw the need to increase our output in the finals so we attempted stacks of five but the can would sometimes come out of the top claw. Example match.

Last weekend at MAR champs we made some modifications to the top claw that allowed us to easily make stacks of five totes. It worked well and we only dropped one stack/can in our first QF match. We also added two fiberglass rods in front of our claw to prevent the totes from sliding too far into the robot. They also helped align the totes surprisingly. Both of these improvements allowed us to make two noodled and capped stacks of five and one uncapped stack of 2-6 totes almost every match that we wanted to. Example match.

Now that our season is over, we plan on working on our three tote auto and moving the top claw up so we can make stacks of six. One of our goals for next year is to start using CAD so we can go through more design iterations on the computer instead of building.

Re: "Most Improved" Award 2015
 

177 should certainly be mentioned:

They went from ranking 2nd to last at their first district (Pioneer Valley) and not being selected to captaining the 7th alliance to the semifinals at their second district (Hartford).

Unfortunately, we won't see more improvement from the Bobcats, because their season appears to have ended, but it would've been incredible to see what such a good team could pull off given another event.

Re: "Most Improved" Award 2015
 

I would definitely say team 836 The Robobees should be mentioned.

In week one at Palmetto they were ranked 63 with a qualification average of 22.22.
At there second regional (Chesapeake) they completely rebuilt their robot (and joined team tether) and were ranked 9th with a qualification average 68.56 and a playoff score of 108.43 and ended up being regional finalists.
Good Job Robobees! :)

Re: "Most Improved" Award 2015
 

2175 is one, although I have that MN bias as always. I think they're one of the first teams to ramp tether.

2502 as well, as well as 3055. Both showed great improvement from one regional to another.

Re: "Most Improved" Award 2015
 

Here is NE, and specifically CT I'd have to say 195 and 999. Both teams went through a rebuild after Waterbury and came out with significantly more competitive machines. After working closely with these teams over the last few seasons I can only say that they are eager to perform well on the field and constantly learning and improving.

195 finally saw the benefits of playing with pneumatics.
999 got a taste of what continuous improvement can do for them.

Re: "Most Improved" Award 2015
 

Completely agree with the mention of team 836.

They went from a start at palmetto that even they knew they had to overturn and ended up being easily the third best robot at Chesapeake after a COMPLETE rebuild of their bot

Re: "Most Improved" Award 2015
 

I would like to show this to all rookie teams or teams that are struggling. Never give up! We came into Kokomo expecting to do very well, but we were terrible. We went back to the drawing board, redesigning our lift and intake. By MSC we could make 3 full stacks of 6 cans and noodles, a vast improvement from scoring no points at Kokomo. Thanks for the post! See ya at champs :)

Team 68 also always tries to have a positive attitude, as we are always having fun!

Re: "Most Improved" Award 2015
 

999 got a taste of what continuous improvement can do for them.[/quote]

Totally agree Justin. 999 went from nearly not having a season in 2014....to building a great robot that season that was on the winning alliance at the Southington District Event.

They then came back strong with another GREAT robot in 2015. They get better and better at every competition. I can't wait to see what they achieve at Championship!

Re: "Most Improved" Award 2015
 

195, easy.

Re: "Most Improved" Award 2015
 

I have to second this! As I looked at our events pre-season, I thought that we would for sure win Lansing with Truck town...and then I seen them preform and was scared....nothing near what I expected. They had a huge turn around and consistently got way better. They ended up being out first pick at Lansing and contributed a lot to us winning.
-Ronnie

Re: "Most Improved" Award 2015
 

3309's OPR improved by over 30 at each event they attended, from 31 to 64 to 96. Can't wait to see what they have in store for Championships.

Re: "Most Improved" Award 2015
 

Thanks for the mention. I am definitely proud of the kids.

We went from just a few totes in Week 1 Quals, to being able to put up almost 2 full stacks going in to CMP...

Re: "Most Improved" Award 2015
 

yeah you guys improved a heck of a lot, as did 3393... also your auto is super entertaining, cuz you guys do a 360 during it (It entertains me anyways)

Re: "Most Improved" Award 2015
 

I enjoyed it too. It's even more impressive when people realize it was written by a lone freshman who didn't know Java at the beginning of the season...

Thanks to the new ramp we won't need it anymore. I'm not sure if I should be relieved or disappointed. :p