[Jay TenBrink]

[quote=379Robocat]This years robot was amazing, very simple, very very robust, the machinery was amazing, just simple the best robot I have ever seen from this team in my 6 out of the teams 7 years in existence. Our team had hoped for a quality award instead of winning the KPC&B Entre. award for the 5th time. We were disappointed that we did not win this award at all nor really be considered. I mean the kids described it as well as test it for the judges.

The only reason I can think they received the award instead of us was because they were a GM,Ford,DC,Delphi team. I apologize if I offended anyone or bashed anyone, that wasn't my intention. My point was that there was a robot that won an award and our robot in my mind was up there with that robot if not a step ahead of them and they received the award because they were a Corporate name unlike us.

Robocat:

This provokes a good question: What “other factors” affect how people (judges and other teams) view and judge your robot?

Our team had a very humble beginning in Pat’s garage with no big name sponsor and not much $. We had 2.5 mentors and 8 students. We did well as rookies and did much better the second year (#3 seed at Epcot) and had even less money than before. The third year we became sponsored by DCX and GM, won our first regional, won judged awards, and were National Finalists in Houston. The next year, we were picked by team 71 and won.

Was it:
A) The $
B) The names on the side of the robot
C) Luck
D) The hard work and determination of the team
E) All of the above.

I believe it was mostly D, but I’d have to say E. I’ve phoned a friend and that is my final answer. Here are my thoughts:

1) Money is the price of entry. A team can not buy a win, but starving teams have a real up hill battle. Constant fund raising can drain the energy from already taxed mentors and students. Entry fees, travel, accommodations, etc. are expensive. A team that can afford to attend multiple regional events will have an advantage.
2) I think most people are affected by name recognition whether they admit it or not. This could be a well recognized team (Wildstang) or sponsor (Xerox). When we got our DCX/GM sponsorship I felt we had earned some type of endorsement for our program. Perhaps this was just in my head, but I did feel that way. When you stop for lunch out of town do you try that little diner you’ve never heard of or stick with McDonalds? The diner may have much better food but you know what to expect at McDonalds.
3) We have had luck, both good and bad. Someone said once that “luck is when ability and opportunity come together”.
4) We work long hard hours during the build season and during the competitions. We still have a modest shop but we do have some parts built by a mentor at his work. Our students in the pit know our robot well and have tons of hours invested in it. They have earned the right to speak about it, are passionate, proud, and articulate. I think this is the biggest reason we have won judged awards.

Jay