Quote:
Originally Posted by PayneTrain
Going off the last post, I always think our team is hot stuff until someone pulls back the curtain on some devastator at the competition.
Also, in the magical world of Chief Delphi, every member of the forum likely has a robot that can operate or play some aspect of the game. Problem is, Chief Delphi only counts for 30-40% in the real world; the sad truth is some teams derp around in the dark all year because they can't/won't be helped at any time, even at competition when they are a BLT that can't even move.
I'd say that most shooters you see on CD can put up a few baskets, but that's really not saying much. :/
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That's why we have competitions and don't just vote in the winners based on videos. The fact is, nobody knows how good they are until they get to the competition.
Unveil videos give you a decent idea about what a machine is capable of, but they are usually edited to show only what the team wants you to see. In competition we don't get multiple takes, we can't stop and start the clock to make sure that the robot is lined up and positioned perfectly to shoot, and there aren't other robots on the field trying their best to make us look bad. Not to mention the pressure of working to the clock and the stress of being under the spotlight.
We have learned over the years that a good drive team with a lot of practice time and a simple, driver-friendly machine is a good way to go. A human-in-the-loop control system is usually faster and less prone to issues than the "technological" solution. How many teams were successful with the line sensors or reflectors in 2011, targets in 2010, trailer-top targets in 2009, green lights in 2007 (maybe so in 2006), vision tetras in 2005, etc. Perhaps this year will be different, but I expect that the straight-on shot from the key or up against the fender, with or without auto targeting, will be the workhorse this year. Balancing with strangers and no time on the clock is going to be all about the drivers, too.
We'll find out soon enough!