[Zuelu562]

3623 used photosensors last year in a futile attempt at an automated pickup and shooter system (in retrospect we designed the mechanical system poorly. I joked "we forgot about inertia"). This year we used two limit switches, and prevented the system from overshooting certain points.

I've always wanted to get automated systems as a programmer myself, but the reality is I'm working on making sure the system as a WHOLE works. It's definitely viable to not use sensors and have no automated systems. I've had robots reach the semi-finals with less sensors than people on the drive team.

Automated systems are cool, and definitely can bring in kids, but don't overreach yourself just because you think you need to automate systems and have more sensors than the average automobile. If you want to put an automated system together, the offseason is a perfect time to try it out (assuming you can get kids and resources).