Everyone looks at these robots, and only sees the arm, and assumes the other may have "copied" the design.
Look at Clarkson's robot, look at Rage's robot, Bobcats.... they are all completely different from the bobcats. Different drivetrain, different end effectors, radically different frame designs. Each of these robots are marvels of engineering in their own right.
173, what can i say... you guys know how to build a fast and agressive robot.... and beleive it or not, beneath that awesome red paint is a wood frame.... who would have thought that wood would be so great in FIRST.
229, your shifters last year worked amazingly, and you guys area always improving your designs. I look at that frame you have this year, and i say 2 things.... first, where is the mothers wax?... and second.... "wow".... John showed me the plans for the bot back before any parts were built, and i said to myself, if the real bot looks as great as the plans look, he's going to have a really competitive robot, and i think he does.
177, i think i can say without a doubt that "we" started the polished aluminum arm craze in the Connecticut River Valley. The first year we had an arm was in 97.... 98 and 99 we followed with similar designs, 2001 and 2003 we were back at it again, and i hear the 2004 bobcat will have another arm... there's a lot of surface area on those arms... hope you guys are ready to polish...
Even though robots may look the same, there is never two identical bots, (unless you look at 60 and 254
)-- look deeper into these robot designs than just "hey you stole our arm", there is always more to see beneath the lexan coverings of these robots!
Best of luck, can't wait to see you guys compete!
Tom Schindler