[Rangel(kf7fdb)]

We've always had a driver and an operator. Like most teams, we realize that there is a lot to driving than just going from one location to the next. The driver needs to be aware of his/her surroundings and be able to make decisions of how to drive in regards to scoring, playing defense, getting around defense, etc. Because of this, our operator takes on the responsibilities that aren't directly tailored to driving such as manipulators, turrets, arms, or other mechanisms. The operator and driver must be on the same page(whether that be talking or just knowing what the other is thinking). For example if the driver is focused on grabbing a ball and the operator sees a robot coming in at full speed into the harvester, the operator needs to make the decision to lift the harvester up. Having the driver do this is not ideal based on everything else drivers need to be worrying about. That being said, the driver has controls of some mechanisms such as gearbox shifters or occasionally the scoring procedure(such as placing tube or shooting ball).

Overall though, if the driver and co pilot can't get on the same page, it's not going to work out very well. The best teams will be the ones who can allocate practice time to make sure that when competition comes around, the driver and co pilot are in sync and performing the best they can.