[Tom Line]

I suspect that BB (before bumpers) taught people basic robustness practices much more quickly than our somewhat toned-down game we have now.

Every year I see dozens of robots that make me shake my head. No strain relief on the wires (and there should be strain relief of some sort on EVERY wire). Sensors and other fragile components out where they can be easily ripped off or destroyed. Uncovered motor tabs on FP's.

For instance, this year, you already know you're going to see dozens of banebots motors on the arms with their motor tabs exposed for all the word to bash at (and short out). Likewise with the multitude of forklift style bots, you're going to see a ton of loose wire flying about just asking to get yanked.

That still doesn't make me want to return to the no-bumper bots of yesteryear though.