[billbo911]

Michael,
I for one, truly appreciate the simplicity and reliability approach 1662 has taken over the years. Your success alone is a great testament to it's effectiveness.

That said, if we look at what a "Robot" is: "A robot is a mechanical or virtual artificial agent, usually an electro-mechanical machine that is guided by a computer program or electronic circuitry. Robots can be autonomous, semi-autonomous or remotely controlled...." Wikipedia. Or my "definition": "A electromechanical device that operates and reacts to it's environment based on programming and sensor input.". It seems apparent that sensors are a major part of a "robot". If we neglect to take advantage of their input, are we really teaching robotics.

Please don't get me wrong, robotics is such a huge field that having a focus on the mechanics and less on the sensors is just a valid as any other approach. The last thing I would want to suggest is that 1662 should change their approach.

What I would like to suggest is that you take time in the off season and start experimenting with sensors that you feel you might benefit from. My first suggestion would be to start with quadrature encoders, limit switches, and potentiometers.

Please feel free to contact 2073, EagleForce, if you would like any help with this.