Quote:
|
Originally Posted by mechanicalbrain
You missed my point entirely! I'm saying that being an engineer in a specific field does NOT give you intimate knowledge of everything that field involves.
|
On 229, we taught our students:
"Engineering is Problem Solving."
"Engineers solve problems using the Engineering Design Process."
When you get a degree in engineering, you are being taught how to solve problems in a professional, methodical manner. This approach to problem solving through analysis and design is what makes an engineer an engineer. You are being taught how to find the tools you need to solve these problems.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by mechanicalbrain
As mentioned in other threads few colleges have open robotics courses... you could get your mechanical engineering degree without ever having touched a robot.
|
You can NOT get a mechanical engineering degree without learning how to solve problems like an engineer. This knowledge is the tool which grants engineers an "advantage" when it comes to participating in the FIRST program.
Your argument is flawed if you believe that if an engineer hasn't had a robotics course, then they haven't learned distinct skills that will help them in FIRST. (I have emphasized problem solving as a primary skill, but there are many more.)
The FRC design process is highly accelerated and very challenging, no one will argue with this. However the FIRST program is a strong parallel to industry. For you to imply that it is somehow "unique" enough that an engineer has no means for comparison outside of FIRST, is foolish.
Heck, I'll come right out and say it:
You are foolish to think that engineers do not have an "advantage" in FIRST. They do.
Who would best program my robot?
- Dave Flowerday - Motorola Enginerd
- Some HS kid who plays with C in his spare time
Who would best design my robot's gearbox?
- Paul Copioli - FANUC Robotics Enginerd
- Ken Patton - GM Enginerd
- Arefin Bari - HS-FIRST-All-Star
(Sorry Ary, I think Ken and Paul beat you out.)
But...
I bet Arefin wants to be like the Copiolster when he grows up, and THAT is what FIRST is all about.
Seeing the advantage, understanding the advantage. "Wow, so if I learn my trig, I can do THAT!?!"
I want to be like Paul, Ken & Flowerday,
JV