teams to look for this year
 

what teams do you think will produce a winning robot this year?

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Every team will likely say that they have a winning robot design. However, I think that teams 60 (Bionic Bulldogs), 254 (Cheesy Poofs), 111 (Wildstang), 330 (Beachbots) and 71 (The Beast) will have some of the better designs. This list is from past experience in the competitions.

-Eric

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Uh, mine. Duh.

And I have a feeling I'm not alone in this sentiment. ;)

Re: teams to look for this year
 

keep an eye out for team 233...

didnt we do a sufficient job awing everyone with our beautiful telescoping arm last year? :D


this year allows a lot for creativity.. dont underestimate the underdogs.. or potential alliance members. :)

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Our team's using the same sort of ideas we had for our '02 robot..which was a beast...=D so don't be surprised if 007 bounces back!

Re: teams to look for this year
 

So... It makes it a lot more interesting if you don't toot your own team's horn in these threads no matter how good you think you are.

And at any rate, we havent seen a single real complete robot for the 2005 season yet so nobody can tell.

Wait a few more weeks and there'll be a lot more to predict

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Re: teams to look for this year
 

"Past performance does not guarantee future results." -- unknown

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Failure to examine previous experience to form conjecture about the future will significantly shorten lifespan.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

chief delphi team from pontiac michigan, and obviously my own team!

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Of course, the historically good teams will do great again, but I think it is more interesting to focus on to look at the potential up and coming teams. Of the teams I had a lot of experience with, I'd definitley keep an eye on 1403. They had a great early showing, and the robot showed some definite good design and construction.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I do have a small list, I have heard of some odd things teams are doing, and I'm watching. Let me just tell you that IMHO, those who did well last year arn't a guarantee for doing well this year, infact, look at teams who did well in the 2000 and 2003 games, those teams will do well this year.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

good point. :) we'll know who the big contenders are once regionals start up.. if you really wanna know who to look out for, make sure you watch the webcasts :D

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I will say one thing; I think it's not going to be about just the robots this year but what team is resourceful, with an agile driver who understands the game thorughly, communicates well with the other teams, has a very good human player who is attentive but cool under fire and is flexible with their stragegy.
Not just the "killer app"

Re: teams to look for this year
 

i dislike these kinds of threads asking who has the best bot and who's going to win on one sole reason. Popularity. as i saw above those few teams are "house hold" names to any robotics family. I dare any of you to go for a team who has little experience but has more thoughts and thinking "out side of the box" then the older teams and can see a different way and have a different edge on the FIRST robotics world. In that i see a winning team will consist of a "Cold As Ice" drive team which contains an excellent coach who will tell (but drivers don't always listen too) the drivers what plays to go through with.


sorry about that but i just had to say it

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I completely agree with you on this one. Usually when these kind of thread pop up this early in the season, they tend to be based on popularity. They also end up consisting of people saying "I'm from team xxxx and my team is the best" or something close to that as we've already seen.

Even though those popular teams do tend to have some pretty good robots that does not guarantee that they will be good at the game at hand. I wouldn't be surprised if we see a lot of "non-popular teams" ,for lack of a better term, do really well this year.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Ok ok, I am sure nuggetsyl didn't intend this thread to say that the "unpopular" teams aren't going to be successful in the competition. We all understand everyone is a winner just being in this program. So let's not focus in that arguement anymore.

How about a shift of tone? How about this question:

Which team(s) other than your own are you looking forward to seeing at competition this year?

Re: teams to look for this year
 

111---manueverible drive system and ridiculous weight conservation for crazy arm designs
25---elaborate hanging arm from last year with more beef and importance this year i think
67---"hot" last year with a nice multi jointed arm
33--- where to go from a light 4 speed?

Re: teams to look for this year
 

:mad: Oh no I made such a nice thread at it died now all faith is lost it was so good must find something else. cya :(

Re: teams to look for this year
 

This year i just want everyone to do their best. Better then last year! BEST WISHES TO ALL!-Fancy :yikes:

Re: teams to look for this year
 

1369 has a little something....thats all i got to say... :cool:

Re: teams to look for this year
 

(for the Cnanadian regionals)
Theory 6 has proved the point that you must NEVER underestimate the rookies. Watch out for them, their over all handling was very good last year.
but still i agree, wait a few weeks, and then judge, cant really know a team till it preforms out there eh!

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I look forwards to seeing 33, 1114, 48, and 188.

Though we aren't registered for Canada :(

Re: teams to look for this year
 

It was a pleasure working with minotaur last year in one of our qualifying matches~ hope you all do well again this year!

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I think its way to early to say, we haven't even seen final robots yet, we should not make judgments until we see some final robots.

Of course to do a little touting watch out for Team 293, we had our proto bot capping week 1, and we have a pretty nifty design for an arm.
Can't wait to see everyone at the New Jersey regional at Sovereign Bank Arena.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

i'm looking foward to some more friendly competition between us (Peachtree Ridge, #1261) and another school 5 mins away: Collins Hill (#1183). they had a short green robot last year that drove over the 13" balls and shot them out in front or behind the bot...very cool :)

charles: you guys are going down :D

Re: teams to look for this year
 

222 Baby!!!

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I definitely look forward to seeing the robots from teams 188 and 980 at the LA regional.

I didn't really want to make this a "look for my team because we're the best" kind of post but I am serious in saying this: keep an eye out for the HexaMax R2 system from team 696 the Circuit Breakers. You will be impressed. providing everything goes as planned, of course

Re: teams to look for this year
 

of course our team 930. Look out for us at midwest and nationals, hopefully we can repeat as champions at midwest and get farther at nationals then we did last year. But other then 930, personally im looking forward to seeing what 111, 45, and 71 do this year.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Comon guys, can we get at least one post where you don't mention your own team? We know everyone's robot is going to be really awesome, and will win at every competition it enters this year. We will just look at the number below your name to find out which awesome robot you are going to build.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I think that the teams that you have to watch out for are not the ones mentioned here. I think that it will be the ones that are usually in the middle of the pack. The game this year will not be dominated by one team but 3 teams working together. The teams with the best teamwork are the ones that we will need to watch out for.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

New England Region...

716, they always come up with something cool

173 - Have had good robots for years

190 - After the ramp blocking bot in 03, and the bar blocking/uncapping bot in 04, I think i know what they may do :yikes:

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Our team's motto:

Its only temporary.... unless it works

Re: teams to look for this year
 

It seems to this rookie team adviser that strategy and operator skill is going to be almost more important than device sophistication. Having a solid control program and a simple but effective design, along with the ability to quickly coordinate with your alliance, should prove to be key.

Team 1676 wishes good luck to all at the New Jersey Regional. We just hope to make a good showing. :)

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I Can't believe no one has said this already, but if team 435 (Robo Dogs) has as good a design as they did last year, they will be one to look out for.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

i would watch for 494 and 34



AND 538 peachtree 04 highest Seed

Re: teams to look for this year
 

There are alot of teams that always put on a good show. Here are couple of teams other then those already mentioned in this thread i think are gonna be cool to watch.
in no specific order.
115, 968, 192, 190, 191, 258, 45, 48, 1114, 1097, 22, 173, 753, 108, 469, moe #?
couple more i just cant think of.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

1083....after listening to george he has my interests peaked to see his bot, and the auto mode.....you better deliver on what ya said mr. wallace or I will be severly disappointed :p

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I'm going to have to second that. In the past two years (since I started in FIRST), 980 has come up with some killer designs (almost literally to one hapless announcer at the Chatsworth Scrimmage in 2003). I was especially impressed with their hanging device and programming last year, and I have no doubt that this year can be a repeat performance.

Oh and I'm looking forward to seeing 696's drive train as well (hopefully for our sakes not as good as Heather's :D )

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I am eager to see the 303 and 25 again. They were definetly power players last year and I can't wait to see what they come up with. Good luck to everyone! I can't wait to see the ideas that people have come up with!

GO 1403!!!

Re: teams to look for this year
 

But of course, we will get pretty far. On the last year's competition, we got to the quarter finals in the Arizona regionals and that was our first year mind you. :D

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I'm watching for Team 175 Buzz. They have great designs for each game. I can't wait to see what they do this year. Oh yeah and you have to look out for Team 176 Aces High! Last year was a Mayday, but this year will be different!

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I would say look for a team that has been around for 3-4 years and hasn't done much in the way of winning. An unexpected team, there are several good teams out there that just might have a chance this year. And don't forget about the rookie teams as mentioned before.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Here are my pick for the '05 most awesomely great robot....111 and 469. I think both of those teams have some idea that will just dominate the game. Some of my honorable mentions are....71, 494, 234, 33, 47, 48, 219, and 108.

I would also like to reiterate what Cory said earlier in this thread GOOD LUCK TO ALL TEAMS!

Re: teams to look for this year
 

365 of course! :D

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I am a bit surprised that 469 has only been mentioned once so far. With being a championship winner for stack attack, and then a Championship Finalist last year, it seems that they will once again have an incredible way of playing the game, even if all they have is the KitBot frame and the camera, they have some impressive strategies as far as I have seen.

I also think that 292 will have a really nice robot this year. If they follow the tradition that i've seen, They will still have that solid frame, not get pushed around, and just handle those tetras as if they were toothpicks (weightwise). They have also been a strong team both of my years invloved with FIRST.

I also think that every rookie team, and the teams who aren't afraid to play outside the box (while not breaking the rules) will have excellent success at the competitions.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Geez, I hope we can deliver. I don't like to disappoint...

I think the teams that will do the best are the teams that "think outside the box" (I hate that phrase, but I can't think of anything else right now). As it seems, all the teams are going to be doing essentially the same thing this year. Capping goals and playing defense. Those teams that can think of another way to win, or another little touch that nobody else does, have a great chance of winning.

I, personally, am not expecting a certain team to win. Sure, you can expect more from veteran teams, but you don't know what to expect from rookie teams. I like to get ideas from new members as their thoughts are not limited because they haven't seen what works and doesn't work. They come up with ideas that veterans may have never thought of because they didn't think it was possible. The only problem is, they're usually too afraid to talk :(

I'll make my prediction in the second match of the Finals in Einstein.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I hate to say it, but there isn't a 258 this upcoming season. I might resurrect the team number at a different school sometime in the future, but it's very likely 258 won't be in existence for the next 2-3 years.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I have a feeling teams from the Pacific Northwest will make quite a show this year. I am looking forward to seeing 753, 254 and 1359.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

You know 254 is from California, right? :ahh:

Re: teams to look for this year
 

The Huskie Brigade is going to light it up this year. Watch out for team 65.


Andy B.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Yes, we won the Sacramento Regional 753 and 254 last year... :cool:
That doesn't mean I don't want to see their new bot.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Hey we got mentioned! And here I was thinking, nobody cared for us. Thanks, and I assure you that we are working hard to put on that good show.

I myself believe that 111 will do well this year. It seems to be THE year for crab drive, as being able to drive around quickly will be incredibly important.

I am looking most forward to seeing 188 and 254 in competition, because they both have incredible robots, and for team relation reasons :)

Re: teams to look for this year
 

My vote is for 65 (Huskie Brigade) and 68 (Truck Town), but good luck to all.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I expect great things from 1243. They beat 494 and 67 at West Michigan last year and were awesome partners at 2 off season events. If they can do that as a rookie...

Re: teams to look for this year
 

team 716 is always awesome ;)

not to toot my own horn, but 549 will be amazing this year :D

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I would add team 343 Metal in Motion to the list of teams to watch. Always a strong showing with a quality machine!

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I wish all you the best of luck in competition but I think Team 280 will come up with something nice to at the very least provide a good robot to go up against. Although what do I know, I'm only on the web design team :D

Re: teams to look for this year
 

i think this year is more about teamworks with other teams :)

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Jay...good to hear from you guys....thanks for the complement...wish we could have gotten 494 down to Palmetto...but understand that you can do only so much....see you at nationals...may be we can take another shot at it together again...25 is joining us at Palmetto.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Is 22 and 254 collaborating? perhaps 188 too.
Which is why i was curious too why team 188 is going all the way to LA from Canada.

whats cookin;)

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Well, I don't want to brag about our team, but I would like to say that comared to the past, I feel that we're going to be much for sucessful this year. Perhaps it's the fact that the KISS element played a big role in our strategy and design this year. It might also be the fact that we're building our bot off of under $1000 in spare parts. :yikes:

Re: teams to look for this year
 

What kind of thread of this?

No matter, fervent team nationalism gives me the obvious answer for this thread. 639 baby.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Every year is different. It depends on what kind of ideas or capabilities the team has in order to win. I think this year will be fun, just like how it is every year! I just wanted to say good luck to everyone and have fun building your robot! or robot(S).. hehe :rolleyes:

Re: teams to look for this year
 

i think that team 1114 simbotics is going to do really well this year. with their omni wheel drive last year, who know what they'll think of this year.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Last year, it was 60 and 254. Other teams used their drive train. Who knows what teams will collaborate with them this year?

Re: teams to look for this year
 

After seeing your bot last year , we were guessing that there would be plenty of similar designs based on it...

I think everyone is quietly confident, as they are all trying to get the little edge over their opponants... and it will be interesting if we have several bots exactly the same lol.... shame we wont see you this year... :( i think beefy will be upset...

Re: teams to look for this year
 

from last year this is who i see using a close to same design and using it very effiently...

71, 254/60, 173 (arm looks great but speed?), 175, 176, 45, 47, 190, 233

Re: teams to look for this year
 

FIRST is unpredictable...and it's not like there are teams you shouldn't be looking for, because every single one has something that makes them stand out, whether it be in robot design, team spirit, sportsmanship, etc...I don't think we should only be pointing at those with exceptional bots, but those that we consider a role model team in all aspects, not just in technical design...and like I said before, there's not just one or two teams we should focus our attention on; instead, let's look towards ALL teams, because there's always something you can learn from each and every one of them...
because although the competition is important, FIRST isn't all about elitism...

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Team Buzz is always a contender.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

yeah; i'll be curious to see if any other teams decide to use a telescoping arm this year... you never know, it may work. :p

aww yeah i'll miss you guys; the NYC regional last year was so much fun.. i did ask my coach if we could go back this year but she refused... i think our team members had a little too much fun... :rolleyes:

anyways, i'm sure there will be a lot of robots with similar concepts, yet i have this haunting feeling in the back of my head that just seems to be saying, What if this year we've got it all wrong?? Almost as if all of this hard work and dedication just seems to go down the drain when it is realized that your robot is actually completely useless, except to be a mosquito for the opposing alliance. i hope that doesnt happen to any team. what could be more disheartening than that?

Re: teams to look for this year
 

My moneys on Team 48 Delphi Elite. With this years game favoring defense so heavily, Elite will be a force to be reckoned with. Not only do they always have a solid robot, but also a solid drive team, and one of the best field coaches I've ever known. And with 3 teams on the field at once, the coaches will be critical.

Trust me with I say they know how to play the game tough.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Re: teams to look for this year
 

some of the consistently good bots in the New England area are 237, 175, 173 and 716. There are many others but these are usually big contenders at the UTC regional.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I think that team 1405 (Chesapeake Champs) is an awesome team and I can't wait to see what they have come up with this year! I also can't wait to see teams 75, 11, 56, 67, and 48.



GO 1403!!!

Re: teams to look for this year
 

the west michigan regional champs, 141, have tons of good ideas right now, and they seem to have a pretty good robot

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I tend to disagree with that. I dont dedication or anyother spirt goes down the drain if a teams robot does not preform well. There is more to first then just have a killer robot. Each year i have participated i would say my team has been the best on the field. Though i can honestly say i had a whole lot of fun on multiple levels.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I can't wait to see team 69. Their machine last year was one of the coolest ones I have ever seen, and it was also really good.

Rob

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I've always liked 233..They are always agreat compition in Florida!! I want to see 945(Element 945) and Voltage they always have awesome robots also!

Re: teams to look for this year
 

the always so humble metal-in-motion.....i know your tricks; you all are gonna have a killer robot as usual....can't wait to see ya @ FL....should be a barn burner this year (or so I hope).....

Re: teams to look for this year
 

its dumb not to say your own team i mean duh!! but i think that it will be hard to say who will be a really good team like woody said everyone will have similar robot but a good team will be by the driver(s) and their strategist

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Steven...I knew that you were hovering out there...I remember Atlanta last year...you guys will be ready....great to see you growing another team...what a field in Fla...going to be great to get back to our "roots"... lots of friends and to top it off, many will be traveling up to Palmetto...hope you get up with your dad this year...we certainly can use your help. Good luck...see you soon. Frank :D

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Everyone always base thier posts in these threads on "who has the best robot?" But like Dean said "FIRST is more than just a robot contest" and thus I am picking who I think is the favorite for the Chairman's Award is.
I think team 294 Beach City Robotics is the favorite. After all they are the designer of the Gracious Porfessionalism Poster if that doesn't say Chairman's Award what does?

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I'll second that!

I think this is going to be the year for coaches and strategy.

I thik that 48 and 71 have 2 of the best coaches in FIRST, so...

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I am looking forward to seeing teams 233, 1261, 1183, 1369, 1612, 1440, and 1611.

oh, and watch out for us

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Team 616 is gonna be the Indian Outlaw at the VCU Regional.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Dear Metal-In-Motion,

When will you come back to VCU?

Love,
Sparky 384

Re: teams to look for this year
 

No offense to anyone who thinks they have an awesome robot, but I wouldn't be bragging. Just bring it on when you're at the competition, and we'll really see who's the best! :p

Re: teams to look for this year
 

i'd say that any team that has a 2 digit number, always has a good chance at winning it anytime. But i always like my own team (1403), whether or not we will be ready for it is a question, but we have the skills, we just need to apply them.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Why havent we been mentioned yet? Well, besides by our own members and I don't supposed this is gonna help either...

Team 639 going all the way baby! We won Canadian regionals last year and we're gonna win RIT this year... woot woot! :D

All of your bots will be good I'm sure cause we all put a lot of effort into them... ;)

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Previous Regional winners, and Nationals winners don't really have an advantage because anything can happen.

I would really like to see the Las Gorillas... :)

...to fit in, 47 is the team to watch out for! hehehehe, j/k...

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Every year I look forward to watching the traditional powerhouses come to play. These are the teams who have inspired year in and year out. Two teams in particular come to mind, 47 & 254.

Between them, these two teams have won 17 regional events. Each has been a nationals finalist and a Chairman's award winner. The only thing missing from their illustrious resumes is a Championship Event Winner. 47 came close in 1997 in their historic showdown with Beatty. (search the forums for a description of what was one of the most exciting series of matches in FIRST history) The Poofs had their chance in 2001, but lost to an overpowering alliance led by Beatty.

This will be my 3rd year in a row with a post like this, in the first year 111 was included in this category. Will this be the year that one of 47 or 254 (or both!!) get the "monkey off their back" and win their first big trophy? I know I'm not going to bet against it. Buckle up kids, it should be a fun ride.

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I am looking forward to seeing what Baxter Bomb Squad comes up with. I'll also be looking out for 233, 64, and 1245 at the Colorado regional.


TYLER

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Thanks for the kind words. But looking at GP, you don't need to look beyond your own pit (or hall of fame space, whichever it may be).

Oh yeah, the credit for the GP poster goes to DCA-Fan, he's the one who designed it :)

Re: teams to look for this year
 

I think all teams are to be looked at!

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Thanks Halon. This year has been difficult without our major sponsor. Hope we don't let you down. See you at St. Louis or Boilermaker

Go Bomb Squad,
Jackie

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Okay, I seemed to miss the part where you mention another team. My bad. (thanks Henry)
Well...........I really want to see these robots:

25-fast, sweet ride
47-Didn't see much @ IRI but loved what I saw
225-Sweet machine, great auto.
303-great ball handler (all sizes)
1143-Good hangers!

Don't get me wrong, there are a lot more teams out there that I found really interesting last season. I can't wait to see what everyone is cooking up! :D

Re: teams to look for this year
 

45, 71, and 111

Re: teams to look for this year
 

Sparky....we would love to get back, ASAP, VCU has been a great venue for us...and yes...lots of friends....we still have room at Palmetto for you guys...good to hear from you. Frank...Donn says hello. :)