Re: Next Year's Game?
 

Thats a different thing, but put on with a lot of help from a FIRST team. I'll be there, give it a try if you can! June 12-14 in Phoenix.


Next year's game? hmmm...it would be nice to have non-spherical game pieces, but having them move fast is also nice for the spectators, so round might be the best way to go because it's so easy to make balls fly.

It's tough to make a non-flat playing surface that a kit bot will be effective on.

Re: Next Year's Game?
 

Dave Lavery came by the 234 pit and signed an a mock up of the trailer that will be auctioned off at the IRI. He put his name and "See you on Mars."

Could FIRST be having a new regional or is this the first teaser for 2010...

Re: Next Year's Game?
 

I think FIRST needs to start using non-spherical game pieces. A couple years back they had a non-level playing field and that was challenging. My favorite would be an underwater challenge; as cool as that would be, I doubt it could happen for 2010, but would probably be the most exciting!!!

Re: Next Year's Game?
 

How about the possibility of a non-uniform rough surface, rocks (small ramps with velcro on the bottom) that are randomized before the match representing the possibility of different landing sites. I know it's themed but it has potential.:rolleyes:

Would the Aquarium be used for the Championship.

Re: Next Year's Game?
 

Actually, yes, 2010 will have the first Martian Regional, it will be co-sponsored by NASA and the ESA and be held at Olympus Mons. Registration for this new regional will open with the rest of the events. Due to long commutes however teams will be unable to compete in other events next year should they attend this event. Also, volunteer registration is being handled differently for this event, it is already open and waiting for volunteers.


By the way, I apologize for this but I figured I could have some fun with my 500th post :)

Re: Next Year's Game?
 

They'll run awfully behind schedule, as the the volunteers won't show up for another 2 years!

Re: Next Year's Game?
 

FIRST is so crazy about safety, so I can guarantee that the game will not involve water. If a robot happened to break, then that would be a huge safety hazard. Water can destroy a bot and that is not what FIRST wants.

Re: Next Year's Game?
 

OK- we do this every year....

what I want to see is a game that involves the following

1. greater use of sensors in robot function
2.manipulating an object and placing it horizontally through a hole- maybe blindly
3.the ability for robot interaction to change score
4.no penalties for high scoring performance
5.the ability for robots to descore others
6.few restrictions on robot design- unlike this year's dance of the refrigerators

for a game piece- CLOWNS- there I said it again......


(search out "Send in the Clowns" for a game we came up with years ago)

Re: Next Year's Game?
 

BATTLE BOTTS!!!! LOL i know its against Gracious Professionalism but in light of the War in the middle east, i think we need robots with flamethrowers and chainsaws to replace the men on the front line!

Re: Next Year's Game?
 

For the past few years, it has been a flat terrain. I think the game is going to be all about climbing over or going under obstacles.

Re: Next Year's Game?
 

yeah, I mean, who ever heard of a flat crater? they're supposed to be curved up at the edges

Re: Next Year's Game?
 

I would love to see the return of the Autonomous Bonus. After all, we are building Robots, Robots that can be operated as a Robotic system.

I would also like to see an end of game task with a bonus as well.

Re: Next Year's Game?
 

I want a game piece that is readily available and interesting - how about a nerf (or other readily available foam) football?

As for terrain, I'd like something that is visually impressive to conquor. "Ice" didn't really do it for me. Maybe "logs" or "debris"? A grid of 2x4's could make for some interesting drive trains, especially if they were of varying heights.

EDIT - In response to Mr Bill - how about optional autonomous? You choose how long your robot is in autonomous (up to the entire match), and accumulate bonus points (somehow) for it. Maybe we bring back the pressure pads and have the drivers stand on them to be in autonomous.

Re: Next Year's Game?
 

I agree, extra autonomous points would be handy. Or just something that trigger something early in the game like in 2004(FIRST Frenzy).

I would also agree that seeing a more 3-D playing field would be good. Less just moving around, and more having to get up and over stuff.

Re: Next Year's Game?
 

A game that...

...doesn't involve containing a surplus of small gamepieces within the robot. This is just so we avoid refridgerator robots.

...requires a single, simple robot function that relies more on strategy and driver skill than robot design (2005 and 2007).

...has a balance in points earned in autonomous, teleop, and end game (2008)

...has ever-changing optimal scoring opportunities (2005, 2007).

...has game peices that teams can easily make themselves (2005).