Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris is me
What's sad is that VEX is what FTC was. For those of you who don't know, the initial iteration of FTC (then FVC) had a lot in common with VRC as it is today. The departure from the mostly COTS robotics competition model in favor of "FRC-mini" custom parts oriented builds in FTC really is quite a shame.
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I would say that the proliferation of FRC mini robots in FTC stems from two factors: my experiences with the FTC kit make me think they probably never had a great kit to work with, and FTC in my opinion lacks an identity. What kids are we trying to reach? Middle schoolers, high schoolers, or both? Is it supposed to function as a bridge to FRC from FLL or is it a low cost FRC or a more involved FLL? Are we supposed to put FTC programs in schools that don't have any solid and consistent prospects for FRC? Is it supposed to be an intrasquad feeder for an FRC team? In trying to answer all of these questions, the program rarely adequately answers any of them.
I don't know if it's intentional or not, but the starter kit for VRC can rislistically play the VRC game for the year (at a low level). A new team can put that robot together and feel accomplishment but see where the design may not be their peak performer, so they can go back to the drawing board and order some more parts if they want to. I don't know what the FTC starter kit is but after seeing the design for res-q I would personally want it to be a revolver with 1 bullet.
FRC has an identity for FRC. Maneuvering from the larger powers in Manchester vs the actions of those that run FRC indicate to me that there is disagreement on the identity of FRC, but it is in some good hands. FLL has a great founding partner in the Lego group that has helped shape and maintain their identity. FTC didn't have that at all.