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Unread 05-07-2003, 17:15
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Gadget470 Gadget470 is offline
A Fire Outside
AKA: Brandon Joerges
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As has been said, Battlebots, (and it's offspring: Robot Wars, Robotica, etc.) have had an impact on the "Man and Machine" and the "Glory of Mechanics" aspect of robotics.

Battlebots, in particular, had a positive and negative impact in society.
Postive: Ask anyone on the street about the coolest robot they have ever seen, and chances are they'll describe some battle bot. This has been positive because it shows that people can have an interest in something other than the NFL, NBA, etc. Negative: Ask anyone on the street if they could build a robot what would it do? They would probably, again, describe some type of battle bot. This is negative because it shows robotics harnessing the destructive nature of humans.

FIRST has also had a positive and negative effect on society.
Positive: Almost everyone who has gone through the program and their close friends have learned a greater respect for mechanics, even if they don't want to be an engineer or machinist.
Negative: Team politics have ruined the program and the intended goal of FIRST for many students. Showing someone that no matter how hard they work, it may be all for nothing, isn't a good message. (Now, I don't mean losing at competition, so don't reply as if I were, I mean teams falling apart, mentors not caring, monetary situations, etc.) Yes, it is reality, but no, it's not always going to be that way.

Summary:
Battlebots and FIRST has provided society with a new thought toy. Even if someone wants to design a battle bot, they still want to design a machine. If someone isn't sure where they are going in life, they can find their place in the vast reach of FIRST. Personal attitudes and indifferences towards new things will show which will have a greater future impact. I think it's too early to tell (even though FIRST has been around for over 10 years). Wait until this generation has kids and see what they do. That's when we'll know the impact.
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