Re: Most Innovative Teams
 

1997: 71 had a detaching mechanism that dominated the game, with the help of the rest of the robot. (The next year, no detaching mechanisms intentionally became part of the rules.)

NBD: I believe that was 47, not sure of the year. (It was before Dr. Joe posted the whitepaper, though.)

With regards to 71 in 2004, 190 in that same year had the capability to steal the doubler from their opponent's goal and place it on their own, while hanging, while blocking the entire bar. I don't recall that they ever actually did it in competition, though, at least while I was watching. Two other teams also tried for the steal, but one scrapped it entirely and one switched to a simple descorer device.

Re: Most Innovative Teams
 

I remember their 04 robot was plastered with DeWalts. The 03 may have used them as well though.

Re: Most Innovative Teams
 

177 had a roller claw on our 98 robot as well.

Re: Most Innovative Teams
 

Actually...after thinking a little more about this, I would like to revise my answer slightly.

To me, while there are many great teams and great robots in FIRST, or great innovative ways to play the game, but if I think of innovation, it is things I see that will forever change the way I think about solutions to robot features.

Maybe these mentions weren't the first or only time for these solutions, but they were the first time for me.

This narrows my answers a bit:

111 in 2003: My first swerve (crab) drive robot.
67 in 2004: My first flop bot.
1114 in 2008: using a transmission dog gear and transmission to wind up and hold with a quick fire release.
25 in 2010: their fan suction ball manipulator. We spent sooo much time with our self-centering rollers and I wonder if something like this would have worked for us. So, from now on if there is a need to grab and hold onto one ball, we will think of this suction type device.

Re: Most Innovative Teams
 

Most of the responses here have focused on technical aspects of robots, but I am going to "shift gears" a bit.

From my standpoint teams 365 and 1902 have shown innovative methods of team organization and structure that offer great advantages. The 501(c)3 independent non-profit organization structure is an innovative way to run a team.

Both of those teams were very inspirational to 78 in creating our 4-H club based organization. We owe our unique structure to them and the teams like them who have followed this path.

Rob

Re: Most Innovative Teams
 

357 for starting the mecanum wheel craze.

Re: Most Innovative Teams
 

Can anyone link a picture or video of team 25 robot from this year?

Re: Most Innovative Teams
 

here's the inside of 25's robot this year

Re: Most Innovative Teams
 

I'm not sure who the first few teams to do this were, it would be cool to find out. For example, we've been 501c3 since 1997.

Anyone know? Guess?

.

Re: Most Innovative Teams
 

Our team is 501c3 under the wings of M.A.Y.H.E.M. (http://www.mayheminc.org/) covering FLL teams Mindstorms MAYHEM, More MAYHEM (now inactive), and FRC team 1519 Mechanical MAYHEM.

I too am interested in who is the first FIRST team to be 501c3 earlier than 1997. 365 was a rookie in 2000 so they can't be one.

I will agree with previous mentions by Ken Streeter and iCurtis. New England has a ton of innovative teams each year who come up with neat ideas to complete a game challenge.

Re: Most Innovative Teams
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MgdGtwQQIo

One of my favorite videos. Definitely innovative.

Re: Most Innovative Teams
 

I'll also throw out 217, 229, and 148 (and team IFI in general) for reinventing and popularizing how sheet metal is used in FRC.

Re: Most Innovative Teams
 

Like detachable mechanisms?
Not entirely detached, but 3-5ft of PWMs or so.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teNYfV8F-rs

"Give them an award, right now!"
Too bad it wasn't very reliable... Very exciting to watch though.

Re: Most Innovative Teams
 

I saw a video of that, and I'd have to say that qualifies- so amazing ^_^

Re: Most Innovative Teams
 

Team 33 is a pretty innovative team. Year after year they come up with some pretty crazy, but efficient ideas and they work so smoothly.