Team 71 in 2002
The file cards were an ingenious way of turning The Beast into an unmovable object. They slowly pushed through any obstacle on their way to the endzone. In one match (Newton SF2), they took three 90 lb goals, and two 120 lb robots (67 & 68) and dragged them into the endzone.
The file cards proved to be so effective at gaining traction, that FIRST outlawed them the following year. (Also because they had a habit of damaging the carpet)
Team 857 in 2002
At this point in history Omniwheels were a rarity, and holonomic drive was completely unheard of. The Kiwi drive turned heads across the country as news of it spread. A true innovation.
Team 45 in 2003 -- Not their competition bot
The "Ball Drive". This drive system was similar to a traditional computer mouse. Probably the most unique drivetrain I've ever seen, up until Team 116 this past season.
Team 111 in 2002
The most common complaint about "swerve" drive systems, is the lack of traction. Well, here's a simple solution. Why not add a drop down tank drive? This gave Wildstang the maneuverability from the swerve modules, and the ability to push with the tank drive. The fact that they crammed all this plus a ball pickup system into 120 lbs. of robot is beyond me. One of the best feats I've ever seen in FIRST.
Team 157 in 1999
This unique 8 wheel drive system allowed 157 to glide onto the 1999 puck with ease. The drove over the puck as if it wasn't even there.
All these pictures, and many more can be found at
http://www.firstrobotics.uwaterloo.ca/drivetrains.php .