Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

the website is locked until it is fully loaded and ready to go. we were OK until we passed out the url in atl and then people knew where it was!

volunteer signup will be on the IRI website.

regarding selection, lots of factors come into play. performance, history with the iri, area of the country representing, contributions to the program, color of jerseys :) , how often you mention the awesomeness of the planning committee in your posts (just kidding :D ).

And, we will not post the criteria...

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

i'm hoping returning champs are guaranteed a slot? but we'll be signing up quickly anyway. i can't wait

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

I'm not going to be able to make it this year. Study abroad in Mexico returning to the US July 22nd. I was really hoping to get a chance to pick an organizers brain for the VCU offseason I want to start.

Have fun and good luck everyone!

Wetzel

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Team 1114 is definitely planning on applying to come to IRI. Hopefully the singing abilities of certain mentors won't be held against us... :P

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Team 107 plans to apply for this year's IRI. We had a blast last year!
The IRI is run as well as if not better than some regionals we have attended in the past. Is there a written history of the IRI? How did it get started? Who has the answers?

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

IRI was started in 2000 in the high school gym in Kokomo, Indiana by Team 45. Back then they had 20 or so team (?) in attendance. (now it's up over 60). It was in Kokomo for 2yrs and then moved down to Indy to have teams 234 and 393 join as co-hosts to organize the event. It's held in 1024's high school facilities.

Prior to this in '97-'99, Team 45 would host "TechnoKat Challenges" where local students would form teams and compete. They had a few hours to build a small robot (lego/vex size) and then compete. This sorta "grew" into the IRI.

Even prior to that in '94-'97, they hosted the "PopCan Regatta". They'd get some people together, build "boats" out of popcans and other limited materials, and have a competition in the high school pool.

All these smaller competition events progressed and built up into the IRI.

If you go to www.technokats.org and the photo gallery, check out the albums for '97-'99. There are photos of the Tkat Challenge in there. In the '94-97 albums, there are photos of the popcan regatta.
If you go to the History Project Link on our site, and click on the image for 1997, we have an old "Tkat Challenge Rules" booklet. If you click on the 1996 image, there are popcan regatta rules posted.

Andy Baker can provide you with details on any other specific questions. :)

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out!

A WMRI during the summer would be nice in the future.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

where do teams register/apply for IRI. i looked on 234's website but i couldn't find anything.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Please read the page or two prior to this, it explains everything.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

That would be awesome -

it is obvious that there is a huge demand for summer events.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

116 officially plans of applying to attend IRI for our 3rd straight year. The vote was unanimous, we absolutely LOVE IRI. :)

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

I will alert the Krispy Kreme store.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Many off season events occur during the school year and its hard to justify missing school for an off season event when we have already missed several days for regular competitions.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Luckily, this is not during the "traditional" school year. Remember folks, its July 20-21! I'm already excited!

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Is there an estimate of the registration fee? We need to start budgeting.

Thanks

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Hope this helps!

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

There will be a talent show again this year, so remember to start thinking about possible acts. Preferably ones that involve a fish head kid, or Karthik not singing :)

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

If we're taking a talent show poll, I'd prefer to see Karthik dancing, or maybe as a mime. No mike, please.

Maybe he could dance with Fish Boy?

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

If I even hear any rumors about another whip act, I will not be sitting in the front row again!:eek:

It was worth being right next to the subwoofer for the DS&TKB show though.:p

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

if the pink team gets in we might resurrect the nose pipes from 05

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

We'll see where my monitary funds end up this summer, but I'm hoping to make it to IRI for the second year in a row.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Even if you are driving from, let's say, Israel?!
;)

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Every year I attend, the competition gets better and better... Honestly, I love the IRI. All the extra events going on besides FRC add to the overall flavor of the competition.

It sounds like the talent show is going to be really interesting this year. ;)

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

They're building a tunnel between Russia and Alaska....

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

If we leave soon we might be able to make it to the 2008 IRI :ahh:

BTW, I was totally serious. Hopefully we will have more details next week!

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

PS: The date on CD Events should be changed. Keeps the "corn" fusion down here in our part of the world...


http://www.chiefdelphi.com/event/list?

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

I wasn't aware of "wheat" you were talking about, until you posted this little "kernel" of knowledge.

I "planted the seed" for change with Brandon, and he was able to "harvest" an update in the CD Event section.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

"Hoe, hoe, hoe!"
I see we have a "rye" sense of humor. It's good to "combine" some PUN-ishment with "grains" of information. Bet I take some "flax" over this post...:p

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

I just thought the humor would cultivate some friendships, but I really didn't want to just spread manure around...

Hay, if someone doesn't like the thread they can just plow on by...

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Like so many of FIRST's great mentors, Chris is clearly out standing in his field.

Just adding some more grist for the mill -- let's see hominy bad puns we can grind out.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

These puns are so bad I can barley understand what ya'll are saying; I may have to bale on this thread. At yeast tell me that I won't have to listen to this at IRI. :confused:

Mark

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Thanks Chris, students always think they are right when they see it in black in white, atleast I have a root to stand on now...thanks for the Indiana humor! C-Ya at IRI.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Better than Karthik singing, from what I was told. Maybe this year I'll be able to judge for myself. Need refs?

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

To make a point - I'm glad to see no one has tried to rack up too many puns in a row - that would be hogging all the fun and could spoil it.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Heavens...

We're fixin' to change some things at IRI. Ol' man Fultz is workin' up the details and rustlin' up a plan that will make Keepers a bit more important, stronger alliances across the board, and more teams corralled for the finals.

Stay tuned for the official release. Be ready to pull your twine tight and hold the can to your ear.

Andy B.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

And while I think y'all are milkin' this thread a little too much, y'all have to agri- culture in Indiana makes IRI sound like a heap o'fun!

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

moooooooooooooo-vin' right along....*anvil drops from heavens*.....OUCH! OK, now that that's out of our system.......

Expanded finals? Keepers worth more? Hmm....

"Stronger alliances across the board" - Algorithm massaging? New drafting method? Can't wait to hear about the new tweaks.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

One of my favorite things about the IRI is that its the game that was supposed to be played.

That being said, I'd love to see a few changes, but i'd also like to know about them ASAP.

Hopefully we get these details soon.

Maybe the more teams/stronger alliances implies some sort of 4 team alliance (with switching robots or maybe maybe 4v4 on the field simultaneously).

Looking forward to IRI,
Rich

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

I cannot believe that a group of people had a discussion about Indiana's agriculture, cows, and fields without Scott Ritchie involved. He probably would have given away cows as door prizes in order to be part of that conversation.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

No a fence, but could you shed some light on how you’ll implement these harrowing changes that’ve cropped up? From what I glean, it could be a field day for the more manure vable robots. .... :o

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Rich... you are close, but a bit off...

Without further adieu... See this link for the 2007 IRI pdf, posted by Chris Fultz.

The key highlights are these*:

1. Scored Keepers will be worth a 15 bonus points.

2. A more random match generation algorithm is being requested and developed. All teams will be considered equal in ability, and the only limit to pure randomness will be a 2-3 match buffer between a team's matches.

3. For the elimination rounds, alliance picking will be 1-8, 1-8. Serpentine draft is eliminated. While this may be good for some events, it's not at IRI.

4. Alliances will pick their own backup robot. There will be a 3rd round of alliance selection, 1-8. Each elimination alliance will consist of four robots, not three. Three robots will play on the field (just like normal) and one robot will sit for each match. Which robot sits can change from match to match. This gets more teams active in the finals, brings another dimension to strategy, makes everyone's pick list 8 teams longer, and gives each alliance captain the ability to choose the correct backup robot for their alliance. There will be a fair declaration process in claiming who will play in each of the finals matches. (we will probably alternate who has to declare first) Essentially, alliances are 4 teams deep, and the alliance captain chooses their best 3 to play in each match.

Combine 3 and 4, and you see there will be 3 rounds of picking, with 32 teams active in the finals. The matches on the field will play the same, and the winning alliance will have 4 teams.

There you have it.

Andy B.

* - how these things exactly happen depend on how the scoring system is tweaked. We have time to make these changes and try it out, we believe.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

at first i saw the 4 bot alliance thing and though 4 BOTS EACH TEAM 4VS4 :eek: ALL ON THE FIELD:eek: end game would be ridiculous. plus the field would be a little crowde, then i read on

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

That is not the case, please re-read my last post. Only 3 robots will be on the field for each alliance.

Andy B.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

This is likely the most important question i can ask:

Can we see the T-shirt design?

and

What color are said T shirts?

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

t-shirts are always unveiled at the event. they are promised to be sweet and a significant change from the last two years.

color - not sure, but not periblue (2006 color that i have been abused over...)

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Wow, lots of positive changes here. Thank you IRI!

IMHO, the match algorithm and serpentine draft should have been done away with from the start of the season. And I love the keeper bonus, as auton this year was a bit lacking (especially compared to last year).

The added pick/backup team is a very interesting idea and I think will add a good deal more strategy to the elims, as well as keeping more teams involved. Alliances will find themselves asking, "Should we go with 3 scorers to fight the defense/ramp oriented alliance, or should we sub in our D-bot to shut down their great scorer?" This probably wouldn't work out well in at a number of smaller competitions, but with IRI's stacked field, we're sure to see some amazing play!

Andy didn't mention it, but THANK YOU for the "tube supporting the lifted robot" clarification. I never thought FIRST's ruling was quite right.

Argggg! I can't believe IRI is almost three months away. I'm excited now!
:cool: :D

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Am I correct in my understanding of the rules posted that there are no limitations on which robots can play in any particular elimination match (unlike it used to be in FIRST when it was 2-on-2 with 3 team alliances, and each of the 3 were required to play at least once per elim round)?

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

*Hugs his monitor, then stands up and begins clapping at his computer*

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Those rule changes are all awesome,

Congrats to the IRI committee...

If we make it in i hope our programmers are willing to put some time in.

This should be an amazing event to watch, and hopefully participate in.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Pre-Rookie Exhibition Challenge Matches?? What a farm-tastic way to cultivate the seeds planted in new forming teams. If we're selected to attend IRI you can definitely count on us to provide our robot!

Sounds like another great IRI event!

Sean

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Wow... this is going to be awesome. This'll be my first IRI event, and reading the pdf definitely got me excited! This event will truly be how Rack N' Roll was designed to be played (or should have been)

I love how the rules have been modified to a way that all but eliminates all the gray areas and touchy subjects (such as removing a ringer under a robot on the ramp, descoring). The keeper bonus should definitely have been in the original rules, and words can't express how glad I am that the algorithm is gone :D

I also love how the awards on the pdf almost mocked some of the ways that organized events (not just FIRST) try to quantify their judging processes. "Definition and criteria for the word 'awesome' will be at the judges' discretion"



I lived in Illinois for two years.. should be able to come up with some corn references....... yeah I got nothin.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Question about the scored Keepers:
Is that 15 points for each keeper scored in autonomous?
As in, if the Blue Alliance scored two keepers would Blue get 15 + 15 + however much the two keepers would score normally?

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

We are deliberating that issue. It has not been finalized yet, and I may have spoken too freely about this in my previous post. The debating parties may have to play "rock, paper, scizzors" to make this decision.

You are correct, Pat.

If the Blue Alliance can score two keepers during autonomous, they would indeed have a 30 point bonus in addition to the value of what the keepers score normally.

------

All: thanks for the positive feedback thus far. We really are looking forward to a great event.

Andy B.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

I am very pleased with the ruling on the removing the tubes before measurement is taken. I think the backup robot is also a good idea. I am one that enjoys the serpentine, especially if the top 8 are allowed to pick any of the other top 8, however, its good to see some variation from normal play. On picking the 4th robot, am I correct in interpreting that using the 4th is optional but never mandatory?

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Nope

I love these changes (although 15 points for a keeper may be too many....but if 116 keeps hitting them, I'm not gonna complain :rolleyes: )


Possible match algorithm:
http://www.issaquahrobotics.org/MatchMaker/index.shtml

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

note to all: recall the beer commercial - the guy with the rock wins.
i have the rock ;)

To clarify some:

YES - there will be 4 robts per alliance
NO - the alliance will not get to pick another robot if one of the three goes out
TBD - if all four robots are required to play or if one can remain the back-up

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Actually, since our autonomous works pretty well (thanks programming team!), i was pushing for 30 or 60, but Baker said "No Way!. We comrpimised and did it his way.;)

Actually, we felt like a keeper should be worth at least as much as a 4" lift, so we went for 15 points.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Are there plans for a webcast?

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

This is going to be one of the best IRI's ever. This is always a fun event and I look forward to coming to indy in July, it is going to be a blast. These new "revisions" rock.:) Oh and one more question, It says a 5 lb allowance will be allowed which means you can weigh 125, 115 or 105 instead of 120, 110, and 100 right?:)

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Hopefully there will be.:)

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Question: With the mentor match, what if your team doesn't bring multiple people over 21? I'm pretty sure that we'll have at least 2 people there over 21, if we get invited. But I was just curious if those weren't able to be in that match, what would happen?

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

You can ask mentors from other teams to help you.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Garr... I know, I just read that... I just had to scroll down another 1/2 page. I am officially an idiot. Besides, I should have known that. I had to help deal with a couple of teams last year that had that problem, as a pit announcer.

I do plan on volunteering again! Unless they ask me to be coach, which may not be a great idea, I don't fare well as a coach.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

I'll volunteer to drive your robot, unless you're playing against my team. I'm even willing to compete against other old people for the position.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Team 254 and 968 are both planning to apply for spots at the 2007 IRI.

We've been wanting to make a trip out to the midwest to play with all our old friends, and make some new ones for quite some time now. Hopefully we'll be able to do so this summer :)

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

177 is trying very hard to make it out, but may not get final approval until its too late due to travel expenses and school board approval. It will most likely come down to how many NE teams are going to cut down on bus expenses.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

It doesn't look we are applying after all. It's kinda funny how everyone is pumped about the possibility of an off season event when you're competing, then everyone losses interest and disappears. :confused:

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

I'd love to let you drive our robot, Kit. I think you're one of the coolest mentors. I'll have to see who's gonna go, if we get in that is. :cool:

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Rookie Team 2171 from Crown Point Indiana is applying to attend IRI. We are trying to get another school to get a team together as a rookie team. Looking forward to another competition with everyone.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Wow. I was shocked when I saw the rules for alliance pickings, I love the idea and I think FIRST may implement it in the coming years as numbers continue to grow.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

The intent of the extra weight is to let teams do repairs or re-inforcements and not be worried about being a little overweight, or stressing out about the GP-ness of trying to stay under the allowable, even if there is no weigh in.

We just ask teams to be reasonable and if you need to fix something, fix it.

That said, if someone shows up with a brand new set of diamond plate ramps on a robot that only scored tubes just a few weeks ago, we might get suspicious. And there will be a scale there, just in case of flagrant violations*. :ahh:

*Getting caught "cheating" at IRI would be worse than ... being stranded at the drive in.

( I smell a new thread topic in "chit-chat") :)

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

So around when can we try signing up to volunteer? (I'm sorry if i looked over it) I've read through this thread and I didn't really find info on when to sign up.

I'm really psyched to come over from Los Angeles to volunteer at this event! it would be sad if you guys run out of spots on me :p

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

IRI could always use volunteers... :D I'm sure you'll get a spot. I'll second this question, as well as some 648 members, too. Maybe I'll make some of the extra people coming along volunteer as well... we'll see how that goes.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

I would think you would be able to sign up as soon as the site is up. But, I don't know for sure.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Thanks Chris, we do have some repair work for our machine, just clearing it before we do anything. Thanks for the explanation:)

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

In years past, 1529 has had drivers from 234 and 829. Last year, a sponsor drove. I think she really got a kick out of that.

I think the Mentor Drive at IRI reminds me of halftime at NFL games where 3rd and 4th graders play football....it's the same game but it's pretty obvious the people out there just don't know what they're doing, they're just pleased as punch to be sharing the same field as the professionals.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

I have been trying to get on the IRI website but they are asking me for an IRI username and password. How do I get a username and password for that site?

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Massage Chris’s feet? :)



The web site won't be available until the 1st.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

you don't - it is just for the planning committee and web site team.

once the site is ready, there will be no id or password required.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Team 1528 and 1023 are currently looking into an offseason event in Monroe County, Michigan towards the end od August. I am actually trying to figure the number of teams intersted in attending the event. Any team that is possibly intersted in attending the event please give me a shout at ketron@monroe.k12.mi.us.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Ahh. I'm so excited. This'll be my first IRI event. If I even make it down there ): But I reeaally want to go. There's gonna be some intense games with the alliances I'm hearing about from other places.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

I plan on coming with or without 648 now and volunteering either way. This is going to be one awesome event... and I'll be willing to bet it will be even better next, and the year after that... and so on.

So hey... anyone interested in doing a duet of "White and Nerdy" by Weird Al with me?

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

1251 will be applying as soon as registration opens. We really hope we get invited.

After our bad luck at nationals we want another chance to play with the "Big Boys":yikes:

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

this will be my first IRI if i get to make it up there, but hopefully between tytus or arefin i can find a place to stay and a method of transportation

mch
<3

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Did the IRI website change? It appears to require a password to get on it now for some reason.
Where does one go to sign up now? (who's the contact?)

Also, Is there any information my team should know before we sign up? (aside from what's in the first post that is)


Just trying to get all the info. :o

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Website is locked until tomorrow, when registration starts.

Lots of info in this thread.

I hope you guys come, I really want to see your drive.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Is Swamp coming to IRI to compete? That would be great.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Hahahah! I would LOVE to duet with you. That could quite possibly make my weekend

I'm planning on going. But I have nooo idea how. My team is still on the fence about going because we're so busy with other costly things. But either way, I'm going.
Any ideas on how xD?

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

When will scholarship info be available for IRI? I know I want to apply for them! :)

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

lots of information in the IRI whitepaper

applications accepted starting tomorrow at 6 PM/

scholarships - you can start working now, the info yu need is in the whitepaper.
the online part will be available "soon".

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

You need to hold off on your reservations to the Hilton, which used to be the Omni Hotel. I am working with a new person and they don't understand what is going on yet. We are working out a block of rooms it is just taking some more time due to the new people. Hope to have this settled soon. I got a call yesterday saying "I have a Dan Green trying to reserve a block of rooms do you know him?" I said "yea, don't you he is famous" she didn't laugh. ;)

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Wow... who doesn't know Dan Green? Dan gets around... in a GOOD way!

I think that I'm either going to (a) stay in a cheap, cheap hotel one night or (b) camp again... however, last year my tent got flooded and I didn't make it back to Lawrence North until the beginning of eliminations. :(

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

if anyone might be able to find room in their hearts and their homes/hotel rooms for a kid from upper upstate new york, let me know :p

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Scott, you are not supposed to say those things in public. You know how embarrassed he gets.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

This is MARS's first time applying for IRI, and I'm just wondering if there are any tips on the essay portion of the application. How long, what should be included, etc...

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Oh man.. I am so totally in on this. That song is like my personal anthem :cool:

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

This is the first time there is this portion of the application, so we are all in the boat with you.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

Anyone wishing to enter in the talent show, please send your entry to Talent@IndianaRoboticsInvitational.org

In the e-mail, please include the names and number of people in the act, what the act is, how long the act will be, and if you need any special equipment such as music, microphones, etc.

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

team 2090 might go to the IRI, talking it over :/

Re: 2007 Indiana Robotics Invitational
 

I just need a ride home from IRI to the East Coast....