[faust1706]

As a side note: the world of tele-operated robotics is shrinking and the world of autonomous robotics is increasing.

Something I have thoroughly enjoyed beyond first is the purely autonomous robot challenges that I am able to compete in now. It seems more fitting for the type of world we are headed to.

Still waiting for first to make autonomous mode game deciders that isn't necessarily what it can do in the first second (RC bin grabbers). One can only dream I suppose.

This year would be an ideal year to implement a minute long autonomous mode too :/ but if no teams have an active autonomous for that duration then everyone would just sit there.

Anyways, I think it comes down to more pride than ability, as others have mentioned.