Outdoor robots
Why not have a robotic competition take place outside on a grass or mud or sand field in all weather? Robotica has taught us that we can make cheap robots that are waterproof, and Disney definately has enough space to create a few outdoor fields. It might be trickier for the regionals (especially here in Houston), but it could be done.
Short of that, I like both of the previous ideas (rope and bowling pins) as well as one that was mentioned earlier in the off-season, cinder blocks.
In short, I think that robotics competitions in general, and FIRST in particular, need to start moving away from the precise field designs. Something like the bridge shouldn't have to be machined exactly right. We should encourage robust designs that can handle a range of field conditions.
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