[Retired Starman]

Many of the robot construction rules may not make sense to the robot builders. But think not of "rules" but of "specifications". I wish FIRST would call the robot construction "rules" ,"specifications" instead.

When real engineers build products for the customer, it is the customer who gives them the specifications. The engineer doesn't argue with the specifications, but builds the product to meet them, because that's what the customer is PAYING FOR.

The customer may have a very valid reason for the specification, even if the engineer doesn't know what they are. For instance, specifying the model motor to be used on the robot. Say a customer is buying a mail-delivery robot to place in each of its 5000 business locations. They already inventory a particular motor at each of these locations, so it makes sense for them to specify this motor for use on the robot you have been contracted to design. It saves the customer from having to spend thousands to stock a different motor when you can design around their existing motor. Motors go bad, and having the right motor in inventory is nice and saves the customer money.

Another example from the same mail-delivery robot. The specifications may call for dimensions to not exceed 28 in. If you design larger than this, the robot won't go through all the doors in the customer's many locations.

Stop trying to get around FIRST's robot specifications Design your robot to meet them, even if you, in your infinite wisdom, think these specifications are dumb!

Dr. Bob
Chairman's Award is not about building the robot. Every team builds a robot.