Am I the only one thinking about how many pieces of electronics you could pack into this thing? Without any limits, I could envision some neat applications, some of which possibly could be used to enhance the robot's on-field performance. I think smarter teams are going to find a way to utilize this "extra thing you can put on the field" to their strategic advantage in the game.
That said, I was thrilled at the removal of bumpers last year. I'm not thrilled at yet another thing to have to build, transport, and store in our put area. Furthermore, of course this is going to turn I to another competition of who can make the "most bling" standard. While it is optional, if everyone has one and you don't, well...
Many teams cannot even make their robot look decent and meet compliance with rules like displaying the team number. This "standard" just seems like another distraction that is going to take time away from what really matters.
While I may not be all for it, I'm not entirely against it, yet. I'm willing to see how this pans out. I kind of want to CNC machine a one piece one from a solid slab of aluminum.
I'm just hoping FRC doesn't start becoming a competition of poster board, glitter, and glue.
Also, should I get a jump on things and start the thread named "Petition to end the pit area parades led by standard-wielding students?" My crystal ball tells me this is going to be a thing. I also predict at least one person is going to get hit by one of these things while traversing the pit area. If that one person happens to be me, consider it two people who will be hit by one.
