Much has changed since I last updated this thread. The biggest change is that Lockheed Martin and I parted a couple of months ago.
Topic #1:
I wrote much of the 5th Gear "AI" code I was developing on my own time; but I also wrote some of it while on the clock for LM. Consequently I left it all with LM, and without special action on LM's part, I can't continue that project.
LM might choose to release an 5th Gear Client/Server interface spec; and if they do I/we could rewrite the boring AI-Client interface code, and then expose an easy-to-use/customize interface for just the AI part of an AI client.
Or... the LM folks might release an easy to use client that exposes the interface AI developers need.
Let's see how many folks request that interface spec/code, and see how the folks at LM are able to respond.
Topic #2:
The game at the links below look like fun ways for anyone who has an itch to create a fully autonomous FRC/VRC/FTC bot to cut their teeth in a simplified environment.
Walking before running is generally a good idea...
http://www.alphaworks.ibm.com/tech/codeinvaders
http://www.alphaworks.ibm.com/tech/coderally
http://www.alphaworks.ibm.com/tech/coderuler
I thinking about giving them a try. I have downloaded a Java Developers version of the Eclipse Platform, and I have downloaded the IBM Games software.
If I make any headway getting them to run, and if they truly are fun to use; maybe we can run a few tournaments to see who is the CD user with the strongest AI Kung Fu.
Running a tournament or two at the VRC Worlds and the FIRST Worlds might even catch on as annual event (given that we can continue scrounging up new games to use (MIT has created a few...)).
Blake