2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

wow already? you guys plan ahead.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

In Indiana where summer basket ball is big, you better reserve your gym early.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Wow! already? I'm there! I wonder what they'll say at work when I ask for a weekend off 8.5 months in advance.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Sweet! 2 weeks before I turn 18, I wonder what I will have in store for Indy!...I'm actually going to try booking tickets in Feb. I'll see if I can tour Canada while I'm up north too! Anyone else going to [try to] book early? ... When will you guys be looking for volunteers etc. and is it possible that mentors rounds will be back?

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

If last year's IRI taught me anything, it's that I'm definitely making this a permanent part of my schedule.

If there's anyone debating going-- GO. It's amazing, and so worth the trip.
and this is coming from someone who took a 22 hour greyhound trip last-minute...

I'm already excited, and 2008 hasn't even begun yet.

:)

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Yes it is very worth the trip! Even if I didn't live only an hour away I would still go. :) I'm there!

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

The Trackballs are bigger than any basketball I've seen. :p

Sorry.. I couldn't resist the play on words. :rolleyes:

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I am so there, last time was amazing.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Chris,

I have marked my calender. I will be there, hopefully competing.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Team 1251 would love to be invited back as we had a great experience last summer. Will be great to see the great game overdrive played by some of the best, if nothing else I will be in attendance as a volunteer.

Looking forward to it ,
Drew

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

How do I found out when I can sign up my team? And does anyone know approx. how much the event costs? Any recommendations on lodging?

This is the first time our team will be attending so thank you for the help.:)

Mentor - Team 930

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

They will announce when they will start accepting applications here on Chiefdelphi. The will have a web page with all the info.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Danny McC and I are probably gonna drive out to IRI how much is the average rate for like 3 nights at motel out there?

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Ever been camping? LOL. In 2006 my dad and I went camping at the KOA, it was nice except for the rain. Otherwise, Motel 6's are cheap...

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I was actually looking into hotels in that area to cut down on driving from my house to there every day and there is a Day's Inn that runs about $50 a room that's not too far away. The only problem is that it got really low ratings.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

it kinda depends where u want to stay and how far away. i live like twenty minutes away and there's some nice hotels here that aren't too expensive. There's everything from 50$ a room to over $200, just look on mapquest.com for the best deals.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

We plan to start taking applications May 5th. We will post here and on the IRI website when it gets closer.

In 2007, there were 100+ applicants - we can only take 72 teams so we will hae some sort of selection process.

We have not set a price yet - we need to finalize some of our planning first.

There are several hotels in the area. Search around I-69 and 79th to 96th street. There are all flavors - depends on your budget.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Every single year, I tell myself that I will not be making it to IRI that current year, but somehow I always end up there.

... onto brainstorm about the 2nd IRI prank. =)

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I hope the piggies get to go back again, planning for a bigger and even better talent show performance.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

You can top last years??? :ahh:

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Bacon has yet begun to dance...

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

987 is going to try to make it out to IRI this year... we are in the process of raising funds to ship the bot and pay for airfare/hotel. -Keaton

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Is that the Day's Inn Castleton? If so, it is about 3 minutes from the event with very reasonable rates. We have stayed there for several years and it is great. Not fancy if you're used to the Omni:) but clean and the staff is very pleasant - and patient with a bunch of kids!

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

i hope PINK makes the selction process. IRI is the BEST off-season event ever.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

IRI is awesome!! I just hope we don't have a marching band competition that same week; that happened last year, and that was a BUSY week. I'm so looking foward to it!

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

My team probably wont be there. But if I can than I will certainly find a way out there. If Dustin actually wants to go than we will drive out. Now to save money for a place to stay.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

There is also a Super 8 very near the IRI- It's where a few friends and I stayed last year. Split among a few people, it wasn't that expensive. I don't remember the exact number, but I paid for it myself, and I'm nearly broke. :P

Is it sad that Atlanta is only a few days away and I'm looking forward to IRI as well?

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Spend the extra like 10 bucks a night and stay at the super 8. We stayed at the days inn last year....ewwwww.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

As a mentor I have attended IRI for the past three years. It is simply the greatest event!!! Hat's off to the planners, organizers and volunteers who make it happen. I look forward to being a part of IRI in 2008.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I've heard so much about IRI over the past few years and I really hope we're able to go this year! Do we have to ship the robot, or can we drive it down?

Renee

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

You have to transport it there yourself, trailer, van or pickup truck.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I stayed at the Days Inn last year, I wouldn't recommend it, the service at the desk was pretty bad, no wifi. I'll be trying to get a room at the Super 8 for this year.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

meh. Looks like I'll be on vacation (from what exactly IDK :rolleyes: )
I'll see if I can make it or not.

I'll get pumped though.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

The Foley Freeze plans on being there as long as were picked in the selection process. This will be our championships since we did not attend Atlanta,but the thing about IRI is the competition can be tougher than the championships!!!! Your motto for this event says it all (WHERE THE EGOS COME TO PLAY) nuff said!!!!

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

YAY! I am sooo excited for IRI!

Due to schedule conflicts with college, I'm not able to go to the Championships, so this is my next event that I'm super looking forward to.

As stated previously, IRI is super fun and definitely worth coming out for.

Can't wait to see you all there!

=]

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Woo IRI! Yet another thing to be excited about! :D

For us... it's kind of casual since our robot work place is about a 1~2 minute drive from where IRI is held... usually our pit goes kind of like... one tool box shows up... then a couple batteries... then a robot... then an OI pannel... since usually we bring the robot in somebody's pick up truck then everything else is ferried in somebody's four-door. :]

Well, if anybody needs a tour guide, I'm sure anyone on 1024 would be happy to render assistance. And, we're doubly easy to find at IRI: of course we'll be in the pit, but we also run the snack bar at IRI... so... satisfy your hunger for knowledge and your physical hunger in one fell swoop. :]

-q

p.s. We're trying to have a couple neat demos from the software department ready in time for IRI... a huge, dynamic, homebrew LED display for the pit... and, with luck, a small pen plotter made out of VEX (great way to teach the programming team high level autonomous skills (waypoint nav/arc interpolation))

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

You can also ship it to the venue, contact Chris Fultz if you have questions about addresses and such.

It will be a lot cheaper to bring it with you. :]

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

:P

I am going to try to make it there.

-Vivek

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I LOVE IRI. it's the best off-season event-hands down. I can't wait!

Last year we stayed at a Super 8 and that worked out pretty well if I remember right......

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

so how do we register for this event?? or do we have to get invited??? (this is based solely on me asking my teacher tomorrow to attend off-season events this year lol :D)

I would love to go to the IRI!!

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

The system is if you would like to attend you apply for admission, then after all applications are in the IRI planning committee selects the applicants based on past performance and achievement, i believe all indiana teams are automatically accepted

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

There is an elaborate selection process, many factors included.
Robot performance, team performance, team uniqueness, regional diversity, country, past support of IRI, current support of IRI, etc.

We will open for applications May 5th and make decisions within a week of that. We will issue 'invitations' and then teams have a certain time to accept and send payment. After that time runs out, we work through the waiting list.

For 2008, there are no automatic invitations
(except it might be kinda wierd if we didn't invite the hosting teams)...

We will limit the field to 72 teams.

Hope this helps.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I'm sad to hear this. I thought IRI was started as an off-season competition for Indiana teams to attend. The event ran so well that it began attracting other teams and has grown in popularity to what it is today. But to deny those local teams entry to this competition for an out of state team to me seems like IRI is moving more towards an elite-only competition. Maybe some clarification is needed as this was the first I heard of this. :confused:

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Nobody automatically gets invited to the super bowl... i think its awesome to have an elite only event, it makes for the BEST ever gameplay

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

This would be the first year that Indiana teams aren't automatically accepted... I'm not complaining or anything, just wondering the reasoning behind it.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

i'm guessing its just to make room for the ever growing amount of powerhouse bots, can't see much other reasoning.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

treading through a minefield here, but ....

what makes the IRI the IRI is the broad mix of teams. it has grown well beyond just an indiana event.

we want to be able to select teams based on several factors to create that mix. home address is a factor (ie, cityname, IN) but just one of the many factors, not a guarantee. we do not feel it would be right to deny a team that has worked hard all season, built a good robot, done outreach, etc. and let in a team that just sort of 'showed up', just because the one was an indiana team. we are trying to be fair to all.

i don't like the word 'elite' when refering to the iri, i prefer 'most deserving'.

note also - we stated last year that 2007 was the last year for automatic bids.

and, i predict by 2009 there will be more than 72 indiana teams, so then what would we do ... ;)

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Also... Indiana teams have been encouraged to start another off-season event. There is plenty of demand for more play time.

Andy

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

We will talk about that Friday.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Yes. There will be talk.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

While in Atlanta, I heard rumors that the new event might be at the site of the first IRI, Memorial Gym in Kokomo.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

if indysam and boiler are talking about what i think they are i kno where its at

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

All I have to say is that i expect someone to break that 200 point barrier at IRI since it didn't happen at nationals :D

Hopefully I can make this my 2nd IRI, and now that nationals are over I can't wait

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I wouldnt be surprised, They do have some sort of set-up going on there ;)

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I agree it could happen -

Hybrid: 2 balls down plus three robots catching 5 lines each = 76 points

That leaves 124 points to collect in the Teleoperated period.

I hope I'm there to see it.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Is there any word on how to sign up to volunteer or will that be worked out in the coming weeks? I'll be in the Bend all summer but I'd love to come down for the weekend and see some familiar faces.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I'm waiting to see how you adjust the game this year... or the selection process...

Most of the most competitive robots are hurdlers. There will be many instances at IRI where there are three hurdlers on an alliance... but only two balls. Wouldn't it make sense to add another ball?

Another idea would be to intentionally allow less competitive defensive/lap runner bots to go to IRI.

Anticipating this lap-bot shortage we talked about building a tiny robot that could be sent with our luggage to Indy :D There is no way in hell that 100 will ever be able to send the big robot. But a little robot... hmmm ;)

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I know that Team 1629 (GaCo) is hoping to attend IRI this year. I think we put in an application last year but didn't get accepted. Sounds like a lot of fun though.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Our team went last year and it was a great way to get out rookies on the team into how thing are done. It is a lot more relaxed and fun that a regular competition. You do not have to follow all of the strict stuff that the normal competitions have.


Thanks for putting it on every year and we look forward to being there!!!!

Anthony
Team 135

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Team 930 is going to attempt to go. We've got a little 50lb lapbot that was able to run 11 laps with 4 lines at the Wisconsin Regional this year.

Hopefully we will be accepted

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

volunteering will be through the IRI website.
we will begin taking volunteer information May 5th.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I'm going, looking for maybe a room mate or two to share the cost with. I might have one already, dunno. Send me a PM.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I thought that the game was well designed and officiated this year. I liked the emphasis on protecting hurdlers in their home stretch and the limits on impeding.

Line violations is an area that could be reconsidered. Perhaps some of the suggestions made early in the season could be implemented. For example the violation is only called when the entire robot has crossed over the line in a counter clockwise direction. Perhaps the addition of a time element similar to impeding; that is, if the robot crosses back and remains over the line for more than six seconds, only then is it flagged?

What if you made the scoring for crossing lines in hybrid progressive, say 2, 4, 6, 8, etc.?

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

No. Please don't. There is a very, very good reason why the rule is written as it is. It has been pointed out in the forums (particularly by Sean Lavery, who was the first I read pointing it out). That reason is that if the rule is changed, teams will be able to knock balls off the overpass after crossing into the next quadrant. In my opinion, that is enough of a reason to keep G22 as it is.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

what if the rule change was applied only to the mid-line not the finish lines, as it seems like thats were most of the violations were anyway. I mean I'm fine with the rules the way they are, but if you were to change them that change wouldn't be to bad.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Maybe changing the rule so that your entire robot cannot cross back over the line but part of it can. Would definitely make it interesting as teams can more easily knock balls backwards so they don't complete a hurdle.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I like that. Probably could be difficult to implement, but I like the idea.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Last year, IRI put 4 teams on each alliance in an attempt to allow more teams into the elimination rounds. While this was quite interesting and added an extra dimension of strategy, many of these "4th" teams didn't even see the field (both of the finalist alliances never used them, for instance). Perhaps this year IRI could goto a 12 alliance system (similar to what was used at GTR 2006). This would allow for 12, 3-team alliances (36 teams total) to make the elimination rounds. The 1-4 alliances would receive a bye through the first round, and the other eight would compete to make the QFs.
5 v 12
6 v 11
7 v 10
8 v 9
It would mean essentially another set of QFs to run, which would likely tack on an extra hour (or possibly longer) to the run time of the competition, but I think many teams would be in favor of it.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

That's a really neat idea sean! I should be there to volunteer.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I think Sean is on the right track but I would go a step further. Limit the number of teams to 64, have 16 alliances and give every alliance 4 members. Make sure every team plays just to add to the competition.

Also this one is where it gets interesting, after alliance selections, the number 1-7 seeds get to pick their opponents in the first round. If there is a selection to play an opponent in the top 7 then the highest seed moves up. It is kind of complex but I think it adds to the strategy of the game.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I see your point and I agree, changing the line rule would be a bad idea. It would make officiating even more difficult than it is today, I suspect.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

If the objective is to provide more teams the opportunity to participate in the elimination rounds, then it would seem logical to require that all four teams in each alliance play a match in each round. Otherwise, simply use the stand-by system.

If however, there is a different objective, say wanting to ensure that each alliance has the ability to execute their desired strategy by having a known "spare", then perhaps what was executed last year better serves that purpose.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

The line violation rule needs only to be modified on the end lines (non-finish lines). Make it so that only if the entire robot moves back into the previous quadrant would they get a penalty. That RARELY EVER HAPPENS.

This would reduce the number of violations down tremendously. The refs would see a robot "graze" the other quadrant as they often do now and be able to simply ignore it as most of the time, the bot is just turning or jockeying to head down the lane and a small portion of it breaks the plane temporarily.

Also, it's often really hard to see the far lane divider from the drivers station (especially in traffic) and the teams get violations and don't even know they did it. This would really clean things up.

P.S. Do NOT change the rule at the finish lines - leave it as: no breaking the plane.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I'd like to keep the line violation calls the same. While the finish lines are crucial to staying the same, a similar concept applies to the lane markers at the ends of the track. Making it so the full robot has to go across gives defensive robots too much ability to push balls back into previous quadrants. While this isn't as big of a deal as the area surrounding the overpass, when a skilled defensive driver utilizes this, it will be very frustrating for anyone trying to grab that trackball as it's pushed away.
A 2-3" buffer zone would be nice, I agree, but that changes the call from a simple one to a judgement call with a lot more potential to be called incorrectly.

Hopefully <G22> won't be a massive issue at IRI, regardless of how it is enforced. Most of the teams attending are veterans with great robots and skilled drivers (or skilled trainee drivers). I forsee <G42> and <G37> deciding a lot more matches than <G22> at IRI.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Teams knew going in that the 4th pick might not play and that it was totally up to the alliance captain. The change was made to let the alliance determine who their back up could be, instead of relying on the ranked order of teams. A team always had the option to say "graciously decline" if they did not like the idea of watching but not playing. Many of the 4th teams felt they contributed to their alliance with strategy, spare parts and other means, even if they did not get onto the field.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

The #5 alliance played the 4th team in both matches. Had we played against any of the other alliances, we would have played the 3rd team. We definitely appreciated the extra flexibility.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I hope we can make it this year. I think that a fun idea would be to get six amazing hurdlers on the field and put out six trackballs and see how high a score they could get. Make a rule that no-one can play defence. This wouldn't be for the actual competition, just for fun.
Team 1731

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

It sounds like it was a good process adjustment and perhaps we'll see it again this year.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Last year, Team 48 was fortunate to be able to pick 148 as our 4th team. When 469 had problems, they stepped in admirably and helped get our alliance to one win away from the finals. Also, once 469 fixed their issues, they were able to return and compete in another match--something that the current rule of a permanent replacement by the next available bot on the list would not have allowed. We would definitely vote to continue that rule adjustment this year.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I'm with John here. Or change it to a 5-count to give teams a little time to fix their errors. This year's game was honestly my least favorite since 2002 all because of the penalties. I'm sure IRI will find a happy medium that will lessen the emphasis on this year's penalties.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

So my team needs info on going. Team SparX 1126 would love to go, but we need time to plan. Where can I sign up for a "request" to attend?

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

They will open up their web page in early May. Watch this thread.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

4 team alliance = flexibility in strategy

One breaks = Replacement who can hurdle...

3 hurdlers + 1 lapbot = OPTIONS

This gives teams the option of swapping out their 3rd weaker hurdler for a fast lapper, depending on their opposition.

RUSH plans to be there, provided we are accepted...Looking forward to going WHERE THE EGOS COME TO PLAY!

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Chris,
Thanks for the invite today!
Due to scheduling conflicts, many of us will be in Texas during that time.
We will definitely put it on our calendar to attend next year in '09 if you will have us.

Aloha! :D

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Part of what was disappointing about picking a 4th alliance partner, is that our team was picked in the 2nd round (third robot in the alliance) and the 4th robot ended up playing all of our matches in the elimination rounds, instead of our robot. Although I know it was up to the alliance captain to make this decision, it was disappointing when we were the 2nd pick.

Even having 16 alliances with 3 robots would be better I think, with then playing an "elite 8" match.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

What if the "elite 8" was single-elimination? One match, winner take all.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

In my opinion having 4 teams on an alliance will be an incredible opportunity for strategy in both alliance selection and game play.

Last year 48 was the captain for our alliance. They selected 67, 469, then 148. This provided an excellent opportunity to mix and match scorers/defense/and ramp bots.

48 actually sat out some matches to allow 148, 67, and 469 to all score. Once 469's ramp broke, 48 jumped in and played defense. This concept provide excellent flexibility for our alliance.

Similarly, if it is the same this year hurdlers / lap bots / or defensive bots can be mixed.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

The Great Indiana License Project (GILP) will come to its stirring conclusion at the IRI. We are within a hundred signatures and a few thousand dollars of the necessary 500 sigs and $6,000 to cover stamping/processing fees from the BMV. We've gained permission from the powers that be to have a display in the commons area between pits & the field where intereted parties may sign the petition and/or make a donation to the fund. Remember, you must be an Indiana resident and intend to purchase a FIRST Robotics license plate in 2009 to sign the petition. (We'll take money from anybody ;))



I've also heard rumors that another Hungry Hungry Hippos tournament may happen sometime that weekend...

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Since I haven't chimed in on this topic yet.....

Yes - What Adam said! :)

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I don't have much of an opinion on whether or not IRI should have four team alliances, but I do have this opinion. If there are four team alliances, all four teams should be required to play at least one match per round. Maybe it isn't particularly GP to feel this way, but to me, you should not be able to say you "won" an event like IRI without playing any matches in the elimination rounds.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Actually, I disagree with this. We (177) were the second selection by the 968-330 alliance, who then went on to pick 910. Yet against the 1114-2056-111(-494) alliance, our drive team knew offensive defense was the only viable strategy, and that 910 would play it better than us. Any other alliance, as Joe said, would have been defendable in different ways, but against three hurdlers we needed the ability to go head to head.

The point of my anecdote: Even as a 2nd pick who never played in the eliminations, having that 3rd pick allows alliances flexibility in their strategy. Very rarely can an alliance of three robots dominate so much that they can run the same strategy against anyone and still play the game they want to. Just imagine what golf would be like if every player only got a driver, an iron, and a putter. IRI gives players that extra club to work with.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

This is a good sentiment. Now it would have to be fleshed out to figure out what to do if a robot is really disabled. And then figure out what "really disabled" means. I can see an alliance captain asking a teammate, "You're supposed to play the next game. Can you please claim that you're 'really disabled' so you don't have to play?"

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I agree with you Chris,and also Joe . This was a nice option for our alliance captain 968 to mix and match our teams according to the alliance we were competing aginst. Plus it was a bonus for team 910 as we were able to be a part of the six keeper match!!!!!!!!

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Will that be an invitational also?



VVVVV

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Chris and I would make good team mates, we rarely see things the same way…more opinions produces a better solution. Being on the winning alliance in 2007 and not playing, left me feeling our team did not contribute enough to be considered one of the champions of the 2007 IRI Competition. I would never “graciously decline” and give up an opportunity to help an alliance if someone broke or if the alliance thought we would be the preferred partner for a particular match. It is better to have a chance to play than no chance at all.

IRI wants to have the best of the best compete, I understand that, and requiring the 4th partner to play could water down the quality of the matches. All I ask is that you don’t put more teams in the uncomfortable position you put us in. If we win an award we want to earn it not have it handed to us by others.

Possible solution: Have each alliance pick a 4th partner as their backup, if the backup is called to play they are part of the alliance if they are not called in they are not part of the alliance. I would also propose that just because the 4th partner is called in to play, it does not preclude any of the other alliance partners from playing in any remaining matches. If the 4th partner is used it is a 4 team alliance, if not it remains a 3 team alliance.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Another possible solution: Apply the F.I.R.S.T. model with the following wrinkle. Have each of the eight alliances "nominte" a team to the loaner pool. If a team needs a spare, they may select any team from the loaner pool. They become a 4 team alliance as defined by the F.I.R.S.T. rules.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Having said this, having read the other testimonies and Chris' explanation, I prefer the method that IRI used last year. I think the strategy options are interesting and I like the ability to have a "broken" partner repair and re-enter the competition without having to go two on three. I understand the disappointment of not competing in the matches - I warmed the bench plenty when I played sports. We all need to learn how to contribute in what ever role we find ourselves assigned. Isn't that gracious professionalism?

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

I really like Pat's suggestion. It is a compromise between "don't have to play" and "you must play". If the alliance decides to use their back-up, then the back-up is part of the alliance. If they chose not to use them, then the back-up is not part of the alliance.

Re: 2008 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational)
 

Go ahead and change the rules. Even the alliance selection. But please try and figure out some way to get rid of those bumps along the center wall. Maybe recess the steel plates into a sub floor if there is one. And about those supports hanging down from overpass.......:)