[Marc P.]

I like the idea behind the LEDs. They are MUCH more flexible than the rotating lights, which were often the subject of huge debates when deciding which components will integrate where on the robot. It would always come down to the final 5 pounds, and the light was always blamed as the curse that put us over by .5 pounds.

I think they can improve it by changing the blink rate. On power-up, they should be just on, with the color of the alliance. Once the match starts, they should blink at a much more rapid pace, maybe 3 or 4 times per second. The blinking is important to call attention to it's color during a match, rather than mistaking it for a steady red/blue colored robot part.

I also like the fact that you don't have to worry about forgetting to bring both lenses to the field when up for a match. It also adds a potentially interesting element to future games- the alliance color is controlled by software. What if there was a game where you don't know who your alliance partner is until halfway through the match, or your alliances switch around at some point during the match. So many possibilities with LEDs!!

I guess a non-technical answer would be to use something like a cloth flag. Tie a red or blue ribbon/flag around some part of the robot in an easy to see place. Low weight, no power drain, potentially limitless placement, easily seen, and no danger of getting smashed open!