Re: I Have Proof of a Water Game... sort of
 

To those of you saying "Electricity + Water == Bad":
Ever seen a boat?
Some nice equipment, plus a bit of carefulness, plus circuit breakers == safe.
Besides, we're talking about 12V here, very little chance of electrocution. Waterproofing electronics can be done, IFI would just have to release a waterproof Victor and Spike (Victor would be pretty hard to do, unless they assume that it'd be underwater - think cooling). Then they'd have to provide a nice waterproof electrical box with some sort of waterproof quick disconnect system, and mandate that any self made connections are heatshrinked using hot glue-filled heat shrink. Then of course, we'd need a waterproof version of the CMUCam2, or they'd just have to go with a different sensor (SONAR, anyone?). Perhaps they could also provide a standard waterproof hull to those teams who don't trust their welding or plastic working skills. (Or rivets and caulk, or any number of solutions)

http://www.jbn-duraline.com/duraline...tors_3wire.htm
http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=7348

A water game would provide endless opportunity for innovation. Think of all the different hull styles out there, all the different methods for propulsion...
Turbines, Propellers, Paddle wheels.
Standard single hulls, Catamarans, Trimarans.
Submarines, hovercrafts, hydrofoils.

Teams who are creative and innovative enough could come up with some really cool designs. Holonomic submarines (think 6 full degrees of freedom), boats capable of propelling themselves out of the water, amphibious robots.

What if they threw a curveball at us and made us all use sailboats? Only give us servo motors, and put big fans on one side of the field. That'd provide opportunity for some really neat coding.

Think of the innovative control systems teams could come up with.

Now, all that being said, do I think it's likely? Not for next year. The number of sponsors that would be required to provide the KOP equipment for a water game would be tremendous. If you start seeing more and more sponsors that also produce waterproof equipment, then you can start to worry.

Re: I Have Proof of a Water Game... sort of
 

No water game!
Maybe manipulating an object that floats in water perhaps?
Kind of like this year.

Re: I Have Proof of a Water Game... sort of
 

i think a water game would be changleing and exciteing, but water and robots don't mix. insatead of have robots on the water you pick up/ destroy targets in the water. I think that would be cool:cool:

Re: I Have Proof of a Water Game... sort of
 

Re: I Have Proof of a Water Game... sort of
 

It wouldn't happen becase it would cost too much.

Re: I Have Proof of a Water Game... sort of
 

One day you naysayers will eat your words!

Us "Believers" will already have our designs worked out, tested, and ready to go come the first day of build!

Re: I Have Proof of a Water Game... sort of
 

look at the paddle on the boat, does it not look like a familiar rack tipped on its side:yikes:

Re: I Have Proof of a Water Game... sort of
 

It's not as if FIRST isn't already expensive. From the FIRST Annual Report, 2006: (formatted as code so the columns line up right)
No, it's not likely to happen any time soon.

Never say never, though. FIRST definitely has the ability to attract sponsors that might be willing to help them out in making a water game. The playing fields would either be above-ground pools (Possible but risking leaks/flooding the arena floors), or public pools (Not sure they'd like us getting grease in their pools. Of course, that could be solved by rules like we already have about depositing grease on the playing field.)

This might just be me, but I think an above ground pool in each arena would be more likely. It would allow FIRST to stay at the same arenas, and public pools may not be available to rent out for a weekend. Plus, they could standardize the field, something which would be difficult in a public pool.

Let me say this again: It's not going to happen soon, but that doesn't mean it's not going to happen. It's entirely possible, with enough help from new sponsors.

Re: I Have Proof of a Water Game... sort of
 

I think these people would disagree with you.

And so would these hobbyists

So would this team at CMU who developed a robot that actually walks on water.

So would the kind folks at the MIT AUVLab

And, of course, so would the navy.

Re: I Have Proof of a Water Game... sort of
 

You think Dave mentioning it is a hint, how about listening to three members of the GDC talk about how to implement it. They were even including pumps to raise and lower the water level based on completion of a task!

Wetzel

Re: I Have Proof of a Water Game... sort of
 

That seems unlikely, as they would probably be using above ground pools anyways (FIRST isn't made of cash). The pumps would be difficult to implement in a normal pool. Definitely a cool possibility though!

Re: I Have Proof of a Water Game... sort of
 

a game de l'aqua es muy terrible!!!! FIRST could never pull it off...i mean im not doubting FIRST at all...but im just saying, it would be expensive, people would just quit....and it wouldnt work! the day i see a water game in FIRST is the day i quit life and live in a hole for the rest of my life. heck, i might as well live with the wolves!

Re: I Have Proof of a Water Game... sort of
 

I think there would be some organizations after us if we somehow popped a game piece. :D

Re: I Have Proof of a Water Game... sort of
 

Check this out!
http://www.marinetech.org/

Re: I Have Proof of a Water Game... sort of
 

You guys that say robots and water don't mix, well think of ROV, aren't they robots.