[Jack Jones]

ATTENTION PRESENT AND FUTURE COLLEGE STUDENTS: (Earn college credits & win cash prizes!!!)

Last weekend I officiated at the 13th Annual Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition, which was held in northern Michigan at the Grand Traverse Resort. I was somewhat surprised that I didn’t see a bunch of former FIRST students. In fact, with 32 college teams represented, I only met one student who had any FIRST experience.

Maybe it is that the competition isn’t well known or not promoted. Or, maybe it is that the FIRSTers see “ground vehicle” and don’t associate it with robots – but that’s what they are, ROBOTS.

Whatever the reason, it’s really a shame. Not only could FIRST alums apply what they’ve learned toward some special project college credits, they would, I predict, raise the level of the competition, which would raise the level of awareness and support for FIRST among the participating colleges and sponsors.

If any of you are interested in forming or joining a team, you should be able to find all you need to know on the web site. Here’s a brief description:

COMPETITION (2006 competition next June)

AUTONOMOUS CHALLENGE

Use GPS and sensors to visit eight waypoints on football field sized area in shortest amount of time.

NAVIGATION CHALLENGE

Use sensors (video, LADAR, SONAR) to navigate 500-foot long course on grass, simulated pavement, and simulated sand with obstacles placed between the lines.

VEHICLE DESIGN

A written report on your design is mandatory and is presented and judged during the competition.