Best Robots by Age
 

While I know there will be much debate about this (especially with the older teams) I was wondering what you guys thought about the best teams who have recently come out of the woodwork?

For example, best team who's rookie years were:
2010:
2009:
2008:
2007: 2056
2006: 1717
2005: 1625
2004:
2003: 1114

I added my thoughts from my brief knowledge of FIRST... feel free to agree/disagree.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

My knowledge is limited to Michigan, but I'd definitely nominate 2834 for 2009. Very successful team.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

how about 2753 for 2009? was that not the first rookie team in forever to make it to einstein?

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

In Michigan, we we treated to "Das Boot" in 2008, a real crowd pleaser from 2337, The Enginerds! I still smile when I think of that 'bot... :-)

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

1902 made it to Einstein in 2007.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

However, 1902's rookie year was 2006, making them a very good second year team that made Einstein.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

They'd have made it in 2006, if their drivetrain hadn't gone Oink Oink BOOM! in the divisional finals. They were rookies that year, second year in 2007.

I'd say, going by 2 per year, 2009 has 2753 and 2775, 2006 has 1717 and 1902. 2010, the jury is still out. We'll find that out next year.

2002: 980, 968

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

My thoughts for "best robot team whose rookie year was 200x"

2010: 3125
2009: 2753
2008: 2337
2007: 2056
2006: 1732
2005: 1625
2004: 1279
2003: 1114
2002: 987

Tossups would be for 2010 (obviously), 2009 (2775 and 2826 are very close behind), 2006 (1902, 1714, 1712), and 2005 (1676). I was tempted to put 971 for 2002...

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I think 1405 was way better than 1279, beating out 1279 for rookie all star and winning Chesapeake in 2004.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I meant in terms of overall performance since their rookie year, rather than their rookie performance. Some changes would be made to the above if it were "best rookie robots" (1902 in 2006, notably).

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I'm going to have to go with my original thought of 1717...

In the last 3 years: 4 regional wins and 2 finalists (along with 2 Championship Division Finalists).

I agree with you about 987 though.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Completely blanked about 1717. Yeah, I'd put them above 1732. I guess 2006 is just a stacked year.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Cheesy Poofs, team 254 - 1999 Broadway HS/Bellarmine.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

As far as the most successful team goes, 987 definitely gets the edge here. 971 has come out very strong in the past few years, but speaking as a mentor and former team leader of 971, they haven't been as consistently successful as 987 has for as long, and the program was on very shaky ground for a while. 987 also has won multiple RCA awards and WFFA. Make no mistake, 971 is good (and will get better) but 987 has been performing at that level for longer.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I think that you need to consider 3138 for this season. They were awarded Rookie All-Star and Highest Seeded Rookie at both Pittsburgh and Cleveland; they were finalist at both Regionals; and they were awarded the GP award at Cleveland.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I second 3138 for 2010, I would not be surprised if they do very well on Atlanta...

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

To make this easier for those of you that want to try this.

http://www.firstwiki.net/index.php/I...f_teams_by_age

I'll just say anyone willing to make a pick for 95 or 96 it will be very tough to do.

FYI the founding teams list looks wrong, 148 should be there and it's a few short still after that.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

-STATEMENT WITHDREW-

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Team lists 1996 and before have loads of issues due to FIRST losing/messing up their data.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

It is awesome to see how much you have accomplished this season. I am now working with my third rookie team, and I know how great it is to get awards. In general, if your team deserves recognition in these types of threads, then one (or more) of the veterans out there will point it out. Every year there are phenomenal rookie teams, this thread is recognizing the teams that dominate at regionals, not just the ones that are fairly successful.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I'd submit 3123 for 2010. They won Rookie All Star at DC...did I mention they also won the regional itself? I'll also second (third? oh well, nth) 2753 for 2009, especially if we're looking specifically at rookie year performance. Seriously, 7 awards in 1 year? (Rookie All Star and Industrial Design at NYC; Champion, Highest Rookie Seed and All Star at NJ and Highest Seed and Champion in Archimedes)

1995 (because I like a challenge): I think I'd have to put my vote with 141, though 177 is definitely up there (as are others). 1996: WildStang (111). 71's up there (75, 33, and 16 aren't slouches either).

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I was just about to mention 3138, before I saw your post. They helped us out with programming at the Buckeye regional, and I heard they did pretty well in Pittsburgh, too.

I second 3138's nomination.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Thanks for the mention, but we are no where near 1717 (maybe if my team listened to me and got jumpsuits in 2007 like 1717 has, we would be closer...). I think is really easy to look at our two regional wins this year and forget that before this year we have never been to the finals at a regional event. 1717 has produced some of the most brilliant looking and working machines since atleast 2008.

I don't know how you cannot give the Best team started in 1996 to anyone except 71.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I'm going to nominate 3256, the Warrior Borgs, for 2010. These guys won two non-rookie awards at SVR, Quality and Industrial Safety, and were a first-round pick in alliance selection. Plus, they were one of the most professional teams at the event, veterans included. What a pit display! I can't wait to see them rock and roll at Davis!

I'm nominating them because it was clear to me that they're not a one-hit wonder. There is no doubt in my mind that these guys will be back next year stronger than ever, and I know their program will just continue to grow. Expect them to be talked about a lot more in the years to come!

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

So I'm putting together the full list, based on what people said and what I think as well... let me know what you guys think. Let's hold off on naming a "Best 2010 team" until we see how everyone performs on the big stage.

2010:
2009: 2753 (Team Overdrive - 1x Regional Winner, Championship Highest Rookie Seed & Division winner)
2008: 2337 (EngiNERDs - 1x Regional Winner 2008, Championship Highest Rookie Seed)
2007: 2056 (OP Robotics - 7 of 7 Regional Wins)
2006: 1717 (D'Penguineers - 4x Regional Winner, 2008 & 2009 Championship Division Finalist)
2005: 1625 (Winnovation - 5x Regional Winner, 2006 Championship Division Finalist)
2004:
2003: 1114 (Simbotics - 12x Regional Winner, 2006 Championship Division Finalist, 2008 Championship Winner)
2002: 987 (High Rollers - 4x Regional Winner, 2007 Championship Winner, 2008 Championship Division Finalist)
2001:
2000: 341 (Miss Daisy - 4x Regional Winner, 2003 Championship Division Winner)
1999: 254 (Cheesy Poofs - 18x Regional Winner, 2001 & 2005 Einstein Finalist, 2008 Championship Division Finalist)
1998:
1997: 67 (HOT - 13x Regional Winner, 2003 & 2007 Division Finalist, 2004 & 2008 Division Winner, 2005 & 2009 Championship Winner)
1996: 71 (Team Hammond - 11x Regional Winner, 2001, 2002, 2004 Championship Winner, 2007 Championship Finalist)
1995: 177 (Bobcat Robotics - 4x Regional Winner, 2001, 2006, 2008 & 2009 Championship Division Winner, 2007 Championship Winner)
1994:
1992:


Please feel free to disagree with what I put, but use statistics to back it up. I left years blank where I didn't see any robot in particular stand out or just don't know enough. Let me know if I was incorrect with anything I put above.

-TheFish

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I'd look into 968 for 2002 as well.

They've got: 3 Regional Finalists, 2 Einstein Appearances, and 3 Regional Championships.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

The earlier years are fuzzy in the records because team numbers didn't come out until 97 for the first time, then in 98 they re-numbered everybody.

But in 1995 team 131 Chaos was the team to beat along w/the Sunny D team who is now defunct.

In 1996 I remember the bobcats 177 being pretty awesome along with the X cats 191 and also the Tigertrons 222 who won the whole thing.

In 1997 Beatty 71 was unstoppable and won the whole thing that year, ChiefDelphi 47 and Rhode Warriers/Airstrike 121/78 were also scary.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I'm going to put in team 100, Wildhats for their rookie year. They are still the ONLY rookies to win the whole thing after 1992 (when everyone was a rookie). They've since won multiple regionals and been finalists at others. Still no Championship round return, though. I believe they were 1994.

Nominating 148 and 191 for the 1992 class, as well. 191 has 2 Chairman's Awards; 148, well, 'nuff said. (Remember, any legacy team had their first year in '92.)

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

71 has won the championship 4 times. I think you are missing 2000(??). Also i think miss daisy was on Einstein recently as well not just 2003.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Any chance you'd be willing to redo the list including IRI results? :rolleyes:

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Wasn't 2000. Ain't NOBODY won the Championship 3 times in a row. Yet.

It was 1997. There's a couple of folks who have their WAI with the sign in Hammond that has the years they've won...

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Just to fill in some holes and see if someone can find something better

2004: I'm going with the 1280 Ragin' C- Biscuits (2x Regional Winner, 4x Regional Finalist over 1279 (also double regional winner) (couldnt find anyone with consistent regional success and Championship success)
2001: 494 Martians (3x Regional Winner, 2004 Championship Winner, 2003 Championship Finalist)
1998: 68 Truck Town Thunder (3x Regional Winner, 2003 Championship Finalist). Their recent Championship Finalist put them ahead of 69 HYPER who is more successful at regionals, but rarely attends Championship.
Also 341 is a 5x Regional Winner

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

What about 1992? I'd like to propose 190, 45, or 195.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Miss Daisy also won a Division a couple of years back... 2003?

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I'd put 365 ahead of 341, although both are great. Same number of regional championships, but 365 also has a national championship and a national chairmans. 365 has won an award at every single event they attended except for the 2003 championship.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

It is tough to put them ahead of Hyper 69. Hyper has 7 regional wins, and 3 regional Finalist awards. Their 2004 and 2005 robots would have been competitive at nationals had they decided to go. I think that winning regionals on both coasts in the same year is as impressive as a championship finalist.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I'd like to nominate 1251 (The Tech Tigers) for 2004, 4x regional champions and 4x regional finalists.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Updated list:

2010:
2009: 2753 (Team Overdrive - 1x Regional Winner, Championship Highest Rookie Seed & Division winner)
2008: 2337 (EngiNERDs - 1x Regional Winner 2008, Championship Highest Rookie Seed)
2007: 2056 (OP Robotics - 7 of 7 Regional Wins)
2006: 1717 (D'Penguineers - 4x Regional Winner, 2008 & 2009 Championship Division Finalist)
2005: 1625 (Winnovation - 5x Regional Winner, 2006 Championship Division Finalist)
2004: 1251 (TechTigers - 4x Regional Winner, 4x Regional Finalist)
2003: 1114 (Simbotics - 12x Regional Winner, 2006 Championship Division Finalist, 2008 Championship Winner)
2002: 987 (High Rollers - 4x Regional Winner, 2007 Championship Winner, 2008 Championship Division Finalist)
2001: 494 (The Martians - 4x Regional Winner, 2003 Championship Division Winner, 2004 Championship Winner, 2005 Division Finalist)
2000: 365 (Miracle Workerz - 5x Regional Winner, 2001 Championship Winner, 2004 & 2008 Championship Division Finalist)
1999: 254 (Cheesy Poofs - 18x Regional Winner, 2001 & 2005 Einstein Finalist, 2008 Championship Division Finalist)
1998:
1997: 67 (HOT - 13x Regional Winner, 2003 & 2007 Division Finalist, 2004 & 2008 Division Winner, 2005 & 2009 Championship Winner)
1996: 71 (Team Hammond - 11x Regional Winner, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2004 Championship Winner, 2007 Championship Finalist)
1995: 177 (Bobcat Robotics - 4x Regional Winner, 2001, 2006, 2008 & 2009 Championship Division Winner, 2007 Championship Winner)
1994:
1992:


Issues: 1992: I'm trying to decide between 148 and 190.
1994: Still haven't gotten any suggestions.
1998: Between 68 & 69
2004: Very few suggestions.

I would love to include Team 100, but they were a rookie in 1995 and I'm going to have to say that 177 takes the cake on that year.

Also please note that I'm doing these rankings off robot-performance only, not their programs and awards (although as you see, the best programs and Chairman Winners also tend to build the best robots... funny how it works out that way).

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Disclaimer: Trying to be unbiased here.

Based purely on competition wins, 148 takes the 1992 spot.
http://firstwiki.net/index.php/148

But, include design awards and I'd have to give it to 190.
http://firstwiki.net/index.php/190

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

1625 is already on there... if someone wants to make a case for a team to get on the list based on their IRI performances then I'm all ears.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Weren't they a 3rd partner for 3 of those regional wins? (It is hard to tell). Not that 3rd bot don't count be it certainly is not the same as AC or 2nd bot (particularly at the regional level). 2004 is a tough year, no one I can see has repeated regional success and a Championship success (which is my personal criteria).

Let's give #1 seed 1280 a chance to pick an alliance and win at SAC.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

My vote is for 368 in 2000.
Look up their accomplishments and you will see how impressive this team is.
USFIRST.org no longer shows 2000 awards, but they won several that season also.
Funding has been somewhat an issue and team decisions in not always going to Atlanta. But they have won their fair amount of awards. Specifically winning the engineering awards consistently at regionals they attend.

They are my personal inspiration and my best friends in FRC.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Kika Mana definitely has an amazing team (and always really nice) but if we're comparing awards, then I'm still going to have to stick with 365 on this one (they have a Championship Win and a Championship Chairman's...)

Yeah I don't really know what to do with 2004... hopefully someone (1280 perhaps) will step up big time and we'll see a 2004 team get a higher seed in Atlanta.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

How about Las Guerillas 469 for the 2000? Well before their innovation this year they've been a huge force to be reckoned with. There's a list here http://www.firstwiki.net/index.php/469* and they won IRI last year too, making that 4 wins. On top of multiple Championships division finalist finishes.


*not entirely sure how regional wins were counted in early years.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Not to take anything from 2753, they had an awesome robot their rookie year, but my vote for best Rookie in 2009 goes to 2775. Here's why:

• The worst they've done in their two regionals is finalist (2009 St. Louis Regional Finalists, 2010 St. Louis Regional Champions)
• They were a 2nd round pick by 1717 on Galileo in 2009
• They made it all the way to the finals on Galileo, losing to the eventual World Champs (111,67, 971)
• They were the only rookie at IRI in 2009 to be an alliance captain.

It's close, but I think that 2775's performance in year 2 gives them the edge...

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

OK, I'm not one to boast my team, but I feel compelled to throw our team in as best for 2000 over 341 or 365. Team #343 Metal-In-Motion. We were the National Rookie All-Star in 2000, obviously nobody else can claim that title. We have won seven regionals, a curie division, were a national finalist in 2003 with 25 and 494 as the #1 seed. We have also won two regional Chairman's awards and the national engineering inspiration award. Beyond that you will find that we have won over thirty other awards over the last ten+ years. I would say that resume defines a pretty solid body of work. It's not an award, but we have never finished with a record under .500% in any event we have attended. That is a streak that I personally am proud of and is a testament to our performance. It really feels bad for me to boast like this, but I think we have earned it. :)

Thanks,
Mike Carron

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I'm convinced :)

I'll update the list I have going after some more people give their input...

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Another team one might add to the discussion regarding '92 is Team 45. Now they haven't one the championship recently, but they have highly consistent robots and they've won many regionals and divisions in the last ten years.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Okay so next question... 343 vs. 469

343:
Regional Wins: 7
National Rookie All-Star in 2000
Championship Division Finalist: 2002, 2009
Championship Finalist: 2003
Never finished with a record under .500% in any event.

469:
IRI Champions: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2009
Regional Wins: 5
Championship Division Finalist: 2001, 2002,
Championship Winner: 2003
Championship Finalist: 2004

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Counting the 2 districts this year, 469 has 7 Regional Wins.

I've been trying to stay out of my year (2000) since the beginning of the thread, but 469 is the obvious choice.

I was curious if anyone on their team would speak up but they tend to keep a low profile on CD. This year it is unavoidable, but think it: have you seen anyone on their team talking about their bot? Sure everyone else is but not them.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I'm not sure how much (if any) weight IRI should have. Some teams do take it very seriously, but others use it more as an event to train new drivers and just have fun. At regionals and at the Championship, everyone is playing to win.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Don't forget Wildstang who started in '92. Took four years off and started over.
They have a resume that is hard to beat.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

469 no doubt. Their history is astounding.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I'd agree that 469, 341, 343, and 365 are all excellent teams with consistently impressive robots. That said, I think the stats back me up in saying that 469 has perennially the best preforming robot. However, I wouldn't find it too hard to say 365 has historically the best preforming team (as far as non-performance/engineering awards like Chairman's, Spirit, etc).

469:
*Championship Winner x1
*Championship Finalist x1
*Division Winner x2
*Division Finalist x2
*Regional/District Winner x7
*Regional Finalist x3
*Regional Engineering Award x12
Regional Sportsmanship Award x2
Regional Woodie Flowers x2

341:
*Championship Engineering Inspiration x1
*Division Winner x1
Championship Entrepreneurship x2
Championship Judge's Award x1
Championship Sportsmanship x1
Regional Chairman's x5
*Regional Winner x5
Regional Engineering Inspiration x3
*Regional Engineering Award x1
Regional Woodie Flowers x2
Regional Judge's Award x2
Regional Entrepreneurship x2
Regional Spirit x3
Regional Sportsmanship x1
Regional Website x4

343
*Championship Finalist x1
*Division Winner x1
*Division Finalist x2
Championship Engineering Inspiration x1
Championship Entrepreneurship x1
*Regional Winner x7
*Regional Chairman's x2
*Regional Finalist x2
*Regional Engineering Award x12
Regional Engineering Inspiration x1
Regional Autodesk x2
Regional Entrepreneurship x3
Regional Judge's Award x1

365:
*Championship Winner x1
Championship Chairman's x1 (plus 1 Honorable Mention #1)
*Championship Engineering Award x1
*Division Champion x1
*Division Finalist x2
Championship Engineering Inspiration x1
Championship Imagery Award x2
*Regional Winner x5
Regional Chairman's x4
*Regional Finalist x3
*Regional Engineering Award x5
Regional GP x3
Regional Woodie Flowers x3
Regional Entrepreneurship x2
Regional Judge's Award x1
Regional Sportsmanship x2
Regional Spirit x2
Regional Imagery Award x5
Regional Website x4

Performance/Engineering Awards Only
Championship Wins:
469 x1
365 x1
Championship Finals:
469 x1
341 x0
343 x1
365 x0
Championship Engineering:
469 x0
341 x0
343 x0
365 x1
Division Wins:
469 x2
341 x1
343 x1
365 x1
Division Finals:
469 x2
341 x0
343 x2
365 x2
Regional Wins:
469 x7
341 x5
343 x7
365 x5
Regional Finals:
469 x3
341 x0
343 x2
365 x4
Regional Engineering:
469 x12
341 x1
343 x12
365 x5

Championship Chairman's:
469 x0
341 x0
343 x0
365 x1
Regional Chairman's:
469 x0
341 x5
343 x2
365 x4
Accurate to the best of my ability, sans 2000 for all teams.

Why yes, building this list did make me feel like a complete amateur, why do you ask? :P

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I thought we were only talking about robot preformance.

I know this is probably unattainable, but I think 'average alliance selection' would be a good measure. Is the team consistently being on the top 3 teams picked or are they winning events as the 3rd robot?

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I think this is close but two titles is not easy...


1999: 254 (Cheesy Poofs - 18x Regional Winner, 2001 & 2005 Einstein Finalist, 2008 Championship Division Finalist)
1999: 217 (Thunder Chickens - ? regional Winner (3 already this year and 3 last year) 5x Championship Division wins Championship Winner 2006 & 2008

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

1998 Team 47 - Won 3 Regionals of Ladder Logic (the last year of non-alliance competitions)

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

OK, I started thinking about this thread last night and realized that trying to pick the "best" of anything for any year is down right impossible. It's like trying to say, who was the best scientist; Einstein, Galileo, Curie, etc. Maybe we should change this thread just a bit and call it the top five or top ten robots based on their rookie year. Maybe that would be easier.

I know that when I look at teams #341, #365, and #469 for 2000, I admire all of them and aspire to be just like them. I'm hoping that out there somebody thinks of #343 in that regard as well. I would hate to see this thread start to create hard feelings amongst teams. Personally I would love to have any of the teams mentioned above in my corner of the ring any day!! :)

How about the top five for 2000 being 469, 365, 341, 343, and xxxx. What about all the other years? This thread would be a great thread to show the entire FIRST organization it's role models by year if that makes any sense.

At any rate happy botting to all and best of luck for the rest of the year.

Cheers,
Mike Carron

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Without a doubt, HOT (#67) was the best in 2004.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

They may have been the best in 2004, but they were started in 1997. This thread is about the teams with the most competition success based on their year of inception.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

For 2010 I vote 3256

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

The dominance of those 2 bots in those years is legendary and indisputable. However, the topic of this thread is to determine the best teams (robot performance over career) by their age (one per year based on a team's listed rookie year).

HOT is already the selection for their rookie year of '97 with no disputes I've seen. Team 47 is stuck behind 71 (hard to argue 4 World Championships) in the crowded class of '96 which also includes 16, 33, 56, 111, & 121.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I'm going to suggest 1771 for 2006.

They have consistently been in the top three picks at their regionals (except for Palmetto 2009, where they were the 3rd alliance captain and won).

In 2008, they won the Championship Xerox Creativity Award. Do you remember their extremely innovative vacuum powered suction device for handling and hurdling the 40inch trackballs?

In 2009, they won Palmetto 2009 as the third seed alliance captain. They were also the first pick overall at Curie Division.

In 2010, they were the first pick overall and won Peachtree Regional.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

This is fun. Can we throw in an Honorable Mention for each year? This is FIRST and it never hurts to spread the love around. I only go back to 2000 so I will speak for the years I have been around for. Should we look at plastic, medals, or per event totals? Robots, ranking, overall or the combo package? Many teams do well per year but attend a bunch of events. Some teams only go to 1 or 2 events per year. Some teams go to multiple events every year and still blow the competition away. Some very impressive years in this group, 2000, 2003, 2005. I'm not trying knock some rookie years but ther are a few very impressive rookie years.

As for 2009 I like 2775 but I am biased. (who isn't?)

In 2005 I would like to add 1511, (Winnovation is really, really impressive. The Thunder gets my HM)
In 2003 I would add 1126. (obviously not 1114, but who is? that is like trying to compete with 71)
In 2001 I would add 503. (Again impressive but it is hard to beat a 494?)

I would like to throw some monkeys into the year 2000 wrench.
There are some Amazing teams started in 2000 year grouping. I know 341 & 343 are amazing. 359 (might want to look at their stats this year) & 368 are right there too. 469 has performed like no other (trust me, I watch the videos for the 2004 Einstein semi's and wonder what if) BUT, 365. Go MOE. Go to any event, they know MOE. Not that they don't know the rest of the group. But MOE is like the Yankees of FIRST without the haters.

This has been fun, thanks. :)


How can anyone have this conversation and not include 45?

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

2002: 910 - the Foley Freeze. Such a beastly team.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

2008: 2619 For 3 years now 2619 and 2337 have duked it out. This year they met at KU and AA districts. 2619 knocked out 2337 in the semis and then 2337 knocked out 2619 in the finals. Last year 2619 took a district where 2337 had a very off year. 2008, Enginerds were dominant with Das Boot.

I have to give the nod to 2619 because they have been more consistent. They may not have had as brilliant a rookie year as 2337 but since then they have been consistently improving.

2010: 51... wait, is that cheating? :rolleyes:

1999: Poofs. Hands down, the Cheesy Poofs. While 217 may have 2 World Champions and a huge number of regional wins 254 is a Hall of Fame team.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

As a team yes but we are talking strictly robot here. 4/5 years in the finals on Einstein...

lmao

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

When a "rookie" comes in with a couple of Championship wins, a Championship CA, and who knows how many regional wins...

Yeah, that might be cheating.:p

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

and a WFA winner.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Depends how you look at it.
In the last 5 years, 217.
Since inception, I'd go with 254.
In looking at just regional wins, its difficult because some teams do more events than others. Being from Michigan and one of the best teams, the opportunities are much greater in the last couple of years.

What's flawed about this thread is its based on individual teams being the best as opposed to how you really get there. Its takes a 3 team alliance to win (in most cases) and often times, many of the top tier teams, pick another one to greatly increase their chances to win. And what about the 3rd alliance partner? Often times carried IMO.

Best example for us this year was in Hawaii 2010. We knew it was a big advantage to take 368 with the 1st pick. What if we didnt? What if it was us vs. them? Wouldnt the winner have proven to have been better than the other? Instead, both teams gets the W.

My .02.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

It hasn't changed too much but here is the next list update: I will include a 2010 team after the Championships.


2010:
2009: 2775 (Jackson Area Robotics - 1x Regional Winner, 1x Regional Finalist, 2009 Championship Division Finalist, 2009 IRI Alliance Captain)
2008: 2337 (EngiNERDs - 1x Regional Winner 2008, Championship Highest Rookie Seed)
2007: 2056 (OP Robotics - 8 of 8 Regional Wins)
2006: 1717 (D'Penguineers - 4x Regional Winner, 2008 & 2009 Championship Division Finalist)
2005: 1625 (Winnovation - 5x Regional Winner, 2006 Championship Division Finalist)
2004: 1251 (TechTigers - 4x Regional Winner, 4x Regional Finalist)
2003: 1114 (Simbotics - 12x Regional Winner, 2006 Championship Division Finalist, 2008 Championship Winner)
2002: 987 (High Rollers - 4x Regional Winner, 2007 Championship Winner, 2008 Championship Division Finalist)
2001: 494 (The Martians - 4x Regional Winner, 2003 Championship Division Winner, 2004 Championship Winner, 2005 Division Finalist)
2000: 469 (Las Guerrillas - 7x Regional Winner, 2001 & 2002 Division Finalist, 2003 Championship Winner, 2004 Championship Finalist, 5x IRI Champion)
1999: 254 (Cheesy Poofs - 18x Regional Winner, 2001 & 2005 Championship Finalist, 2008 Championship Division Finalist)
1998: 69 (Hyper - 7x Regional Winner, 3x Regional Finalist)
1997: 67 (HOT - 13x Regional Winner, 2003 & 2007 Division Finalist, 2004 & 2008 Division Winner, 2005 & 2009 Championship Winner)
1996: 71 (Team Hammond - 11x Regional Winner, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2004 Championship Winner, 2007 Championship Finalist)
1995: 177 (Bobcat Robotics - 4x Regional Winner, 2001, 2006, 2008 & 2009 Championship Division Winner, 2007 Championship Winner)
1994:
1992: 148 (RoboWranglers - 6x Regional Winner, 2008 Championship Winner)

Notes:
2008: I'm still sticking with 2337 over 2619.
2000: Stacked year with plenty of good teams and programs. Moe might win it on reputation and recognition, but 469 is on top with statistics and robots (especially given their success this year)
1996: Note that 1996 was a stacked year as well and many teams who aren't on this list still deserve much recognition.
1999: 254 is still above 217 because of their long history of success (although if 217 continues their Champs performances this year that could very well change.
1998: I put 69 above 68 because their programs are very similar but 69 has had a better year this year... on top of that, they choose not to go to the Champs some years, which is why they haven't had International success.
1994: Still nothing
1992: Still close between: 148, 45, 190... but 148 has had more recent success so they go in the #1 spot.


Also, check out my next post for a new discussion which I'm sure everyone will be excited about :)

-TheFish

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

About 2337, we also won a district this year (over 2619 in the finals) and at MSC we selected them as our first pick as 8th Alliance Captain. Furthermore, we got Michigan's first suspension (not that it counts for anything really, but..)

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Now for a discussion of the best PROGRAM by age... here we go:

Things to take into account: Rookie Inspiration/All-Star, Woodie Flower Awards, Entrepreneurship, Engineering Inspiration, Chairman's Award.

Remember: this discussion is more subjective than the last and people can include general information about the programs which makes their accomplishments more outstanding. This is a good chance for people to learn about what all the teams have done, and are currently doing with their FIRST Robotics programs to make the world a better place.

2010:
2009:
2008:
2007:
2006:
2005:
2004:
2003:
2002:
2001:
2000:
1999:
1998:
1997:
1996:
1995:
1994:
1992:

While I think some will be relatively obvious (and some years clearly very difficult) I'm not going to fill in anything right now and we'll see what the masses have to say.

-TheFish

ps. Remember that the discussion for the team that's been building the best ROBOTS hasn't ended yet either :)

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

103 would be in the best program category since before they were in FRC. 1991 is when Dave Beck began the evolution of his project into what is now, the legacy of team 103.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Though I know everyone on 148 is honored by the praise we've received, surely the 1992 spot NEEDS to go to team 45.

The Technokats are an institution. Their impact on FIRST and specifically on FIRST robot design is immeasurable.

-John

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

1992: 191 (2x CCA)
1994:
1995:
1996: 111 (CCA, 2x Champions, etc) by a nose over 71 (no CCA)
1997: 67(CCA, plus above...)
1998:
1999: 254 (CCA, plus above...)
2000:
2001:
2002:
2003: 1114 (RCAs every year, plus above)
2004:
2005:
2006: 1717 (regional EI and similar things of that nature)
2007:
2008:
2009:
2010: We don't know yet.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

1251 is a very good team for 2004, they have won at UCF 3x in the past 4 years, and they always have a very competitive robot.

Although IMHO, they did not have as good of a robot this year as they have in past years, It was still undoubtably a great robot, but not what i was expecting.

But obviously their alliance(1251,86,1612) worked out better than ours
(1557, 79, 801) :rolleyes:

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I would like to nominate 1714. Rookie All-Star, Rookie inspiration at the Championship, Engineering inspiration and 2 RCAs, among other awards.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

This is really inconsistent logic here.

1714 has more trophies than any team whose rookie year was 2006 (I needed an ego boost one day last year), two RCAs, two EIs, on top of now 2 regional wins. I think they're legit.

1902 is certainly worth mention, behind by only one CA, one EI, and one win, but they're in a stronger region and they have a division win.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

actually 1902 has 2 regional wins (CT 2009 and NC 2010)

and i would also like to say that in the program race for best team per year, i Think Pink should be on that list

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Oh, I didn't catch that they won North Carolina. They're nearly tied then.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Hey, so sorry for the confusion (and for the people who just posted in the last 30 minutes) but to keep things more simple I started a new thread for this new topic of discussion.

Unfortunately because I am a "relatively new user"... the new thread might not show up for a few hours, so I can't link to it yet.

For those of you who are dying to talk about the programs feel free to do so here, otherwise wait until the new discussion pops up.

Thanks,
TheFish

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Team 1902 has also been on Einstein (I would want to say that was in 2007); please correct me if I am wrong.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

nearly tied? 1902 is clearly creating more dominate robots on a yearly basis.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I think we are comparing 1902 and 1714 on their entire programs so awards are also factored in. I would agree that 1902 has traditionally built better robots, but they cannot match 1714's 2 RCA and other awards.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

please explain your logic. Yes they had better robots in our first years, but we have had much more success in the past two years.

Im not trying to say we are better than 1902 overall, however to say they create more dominate robots on a yearly basis is not true.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I was referring to the "program". 1902 obviously has 1714 beat, hands down, on robot performance. I am not without bias for my old team though in either department.

1902's 2009 robot was directly comparable to 1714's 2009 effort in terms of quality IMHO, as are the robots this year. Slight edge to 1902 this year, last year, I dunno.
08 is no contest 1902, as is 07, and probably 06.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Robot wise, I'm not sure about that (atleast when going by the numbers). Both teams have 2 regional wins. 1714 has made eliminations at 3/4 regionals and is 0/1 in Atlanta. 1902 is 4/4 at regionals and 1/1 in Atlanta. 1902 was probably gone to tougher regionals, but won Connecticut as 3rd robot compared to 1714's back to back wins as top seed in a 'young' Minnesota Regional.

Overall 1714 is 7/10 in regionals and 1/3 in Atlanta. 1902 is 10/10 in regionals and 3/4 in Atlanta.

But, I think 1714 has just as big an advantage on the non-technical awards.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

If you go by record 1902 is 40-35 and 1714 is 49-18.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Fair enough. Especially for Atlanta, judging based on getting selected may not be the best because someone could have a better robot but may not fit what the alliance captians is looking for. Plus, we know 1902 will never be overlooked come alliance selection time.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Robot wise, 1902 has many people beat on consistency, including you.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

okay people......Lets be honest this is a fight that can not be won. I have been watching this thread hoping that it wouldn't turn into a "my robot is better than yours." While I am fine with some debate but lets keep it civil.

In FIRST and in Life people are very passionate about the things that they have done, and it can be one of the worst possible feelings for someone to say that you have done worse than you feel. A few years ago I adopted the mentality that your robot is only as good as you feel about the work you put into it. Trophies are made from plastic but the feeling of pride when you accomplish a goal is made from something much deeper that you can forever take with you. Remember while it is nice to have a string of 100 victories or a Hall of blue banners that isn't what is REALLY important.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

For 2008 I would like to nominate 2619 over 2337 for reasons Schreiber has stated: 2337 had a better rookie year, but 2009 was not the best year. Meanwhile, 2619 has been steadily improving, to where the teams are about on equal parity this year. After Championships, if one team makes it farther than the other (as both are going), then I'll change my mind. But, right now, today, after the MSC, for sure its 2619.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I nominate 2826 (Wave Robotics) for 2009. At the 10,000 Lakes Regional last year, they blew everyone out of the water (haha, puns) going 15-1-0 and helping their alliance win the finals. They difinitely did amazingly for their first year and hope they keep showing their gracious profesionalism!

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

1997: 25, Raider Robotix
3x Division Champions (Archimedes 2003, Curie 2004, Newton 2006.)
1x Championship Event Winners (2000)
2x Championship Event Finalist (2003, 2006)
8x Regional Champion
4x Regional Finalist
1x RCA

anybody thought about putting 46 in for 1998?

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I definitely Second this. 25 will always be a top dog.

For 2009 I find giving 2775 and 2753 the title is most suitable, 2753 more than 2775 even. They blew away the competition last year and had no rookie comparison in terms of robot design and performance, considering the teams they played against. They were also very very close to earning a second regional title last year in NYC but due to some alliance faults they did not achieve this goal.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Little known factoid about team 1902 ( Since on the subject ), a golden nugget of FIRST history if you will, every time they've competed in the finals in Atlanta, they've been defeated by the eventual champs. ( We like to forget about 2008 )

2006- Archie Finals Vs. a 217 lead alliance.
2007- On Einstein Vs. 987, 177, 190
2008- 11 seed not picked booo....
2009- On Galileo vs. 111 and 67 lead alliance.


( Sorry for forgetting the other teams )

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

Hey all,

I figured we should bring this back for the 2012 year so see how all the teams are progressing. See below for where I feel things currently stand.

Please please feel free to disagree with any of the information below (this is how the list gets improved). Also please help me fill out teams for recent years, although we'll find some newer teams proving themselves much more in St. Louis this year.

Teams With the Best Robots by Rookie-Year
2012:
2011:
2010:
2009:
2008: 2337 - 4 regional wins, highest rookie seed - Curie
2007: 2056 - 14 regional wins, 1 division win
2006: 1717 - 6 regional wins, 2 division finalists
2005: 1625 - 5 regional wins, 1 div win, 1 div finalist
2004: 1477 - 6 regional wins
2003: 1114 - 19 regional wins, 1 cmp win, 1 div win, 1 div finalist
2002: 987 - 8 regional wins, 1 cmp win, 1 div win, 1 div finalist, highest rookie seed - Einstein
2001: 494 - 4 regional wins, 1 cmp win, 1 div win, 1 div finalist
2000: 469 - 11 regional wins, 1 cmp, 2 divisions, 3 finalists, Rookie All Star - Championship
1999: 254 - 22 regional wins, 1 cmp win, 3 divisions, 1 div finalist
1998: 69 - 7 regional wins
1997: 67 - 19 regional wins, 3 cmp wins, 2 div wins, 2 div finalists
1996: 71 - 13 regional wins, 4 cmp wins, 1 div win, 1 div finalist
1995: 177 - 4 regional wins, 2 cmp wins, 5 div wins, 1 div finalist
1994:
1993:
1992: 148 - 9 regional wins, 1 cmp win, 1 div finalist

I respect consistency and history for all of these teams, but if two are even, I will place more weight on recent performance.
Seedings and Selections can often tell more of the story than actual championship wins, so feel free to hit me with some of that info too.

-TheFish

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

The 2009 year has got to go to 2826. Three regional wins and two regional finalists, as well as division finalist last year, in their forth year of existence.

Re: Best Robots by Age
 

I think 3256 is by far one of the best teams for 2010. They have won 1 regional and have been to finals 3 other times. They are consistently one of the best teams at each regional they go to. I also think they won Engineering Inspiration either their rookie or second year