Quote:
Originally Posted by wilsonmw04
FIRST isn't about kids solving issues. If that's what you want, there are several STEM programs out there that require kids do all the work.This is what FIRST is about: teams using the tools they have in different ways to inspire kids while solving a problem. Let teams use all the tools they want.
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Ri3D shouldn't cause any problems for any teams, because it is not necessary that the students use their own design, so long as they have the opportunity to. If the students think that they should use Ri3D because they will be more successful and have a better, more inspirational season, than by all means let them. But if they think they have a better design (or good improvements to the Ri3D bots), then that is great for them. Whatever best achieves the goal of FIRST (the inspiration and recognition of science and technology). I feel the problem comes in when the students are forced to do one or the other. Using a design that the team doesn't want to is possibly one of the biggest turn offs in FRC. Also, there is a problem if teams don't go through a proper design process in order to make this decision, and instead automatically default to using someone else's idea (teams who don't have the resources to do anything competitive besides a Ri3D bot are exempt from this rule).
Also, I can't see what good Ri3D would be if it was released later in the season. In fact, I think the main reason that it is 3 days is because they want to get it out to teams as fast as possible. If somebody who wants to delay Ri3D can explain in more detail what purpose it would serve, that would be greatly appreciated.