[noceradave]

For the most part, when we purchase imported Common Off The Shelf components (also known as COTS), most of the profit from COTS is made by the foreign manufacturer. A large degree of imported COTS on our robots also means a large amount of money and technology jobs are flowing out of America.

In my opinion, this is the problem that needs solving.

We are trying to inspire future engineers, engineers we hope will have jobs when they graduate. Is imported COTS this best long term use of our money? Is teaching future engineers to rely upon imported COTS the best long term strategy?