[Chris Marra]

In the midst of everyone suggesting laptops, Bluetooth, 802.11 wi-fi networking, can we all take a step back and look at the feasible possibilities of FIRST? Over time the games and structure of the organization has slowly shifted from a very small kit of parts to a comprehensive one that includes a robot in a box. I am not calling this a negative change, because it is great for rookies just getting started, and still allows for mobility in veteran teams.

Arguably the most difficult component of the robot to customize, in fact, would be the controls system. Short of an EE/CS or ECE on your team, many students are probably lost when it comes to the world of C and an embedded robot controller that honestly is not too user friendly. Between serial communications, MPLAB, IFI Loader, and all of the steps required to write code and get it onto a robot, it is no small task (EasyC is an exception).

However, the actual system controlling the robot is extremely efficient and streamlined, considering it is specifically designed for an application specific task, which it accomplishes, and does so at a relatively low cost. Adding in features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or even using Mini-ITX or laptops significantly adds to the cost of the KOP, and to me, it doesn't make things more simple.

I would expect to see a controls system that is more featured than what we see from IFI today, considering the PIC can be a relatively limited resource, and one that will be more rookie friendly, featuring a number of expanded options built into the design. 195's LCD diagnostic tool in 2006, and their theoretical dynamically generated PDA autonomous mode come to mind, and something a step above MPLAB designed to eliminate code barriers might also be possible (Yes, I know, EasyC). Beyond USB support, and maybe a new radio protocol, why does FIRST need its robot controllers to be laptops or feature Bluetooth? As it stands, C: Works, Victors: Work, CMUCAM: Works, and their only motivation in a new control system must be to help rookies and add enhanced features that go beyond a PIC in the new RC/OI. At the end of the day, FIRST is not a consumer product that needs flashy stickers with new features on it, and I think its important that the controls system reflect this by adhering to a very simple principle: KISS.