Hmm... I-Bots floating around space that have to launch a missile down the exaust port of a deadly starbase?

Nope
 

Been done. 4 times is plenty. Try again.
C~ya,
Carolyn

Intriguing
 

The idea of driving other people's robots is certainly an intriguing one.

Scoring would go to the robot, rather than the teams, I think. In other words, you'd get a high score by designing a machine that was easy to use, rather than by being skilled in it's use.

I think the game would be simpler, generally speaking, but perhaps not.

Ultimately, if another group is going to be operating your machine, it places a lot of emphasis on areas of engineering which are somewhat neglected in FIRST. Control systems, of course, would need to be something that's as well thought out as the robot itself. It needs to be ergonomically friendly and easy to learn.

But, even moreso, the robot mechanisms need to become a lot more streamlined. How many teams out there could pretty honestly say that they're robots could be driven by anyone? I don't think there are too many. Our robot had certain limitations that you wouldn't know about unless you were there when we built it. Should another team exceed those limits, it would've fallen to pieces.

So, I think you can all see where I am going with this. The efficiency and elegance of engineered monsters will really have to stand out. It'll put a whole new twist on the competition.

And think about this; we won't need to set aside any time for practice!!

Re: Intriguing
 

Team 495 had a robot that anyone could control last year. We didn't have the ability to make it dificult/sophisticated. This idea, while thought provoking, would not eliminate practice. Teams would still need practice to test everything after shipping. It would also be useful for show casing what a robot can do.
C~ya,
Carolyn

I-Bots that each have their own power and use it to fight for the forces of good?

5 kids in suits
 

I can think of somathing, well 2 somethings, that go along those lines.
C~ya,
Carolyn

Hmm... Planet of the I-Bots?

Consider that one nixed.
 

Been done too. People in suits which give them excess bodily hair. Give it another go.
C~ya,
Carolyn

Hmm... how about I-Bots that get lost in the forest and have to rely on a children's wagon to get around, and eventually run into dancing monkeys who steal one of the I-Bot's little brother?

Courage
 

What do I-Bots floating in the air have to do with the question of the week? Some of these posts should be separated.