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Unread 02-08-2007, 17:28
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VEX Robotics Engineer
AKA: Arthur Dutra IV; NERD #18
FRC #0148 (Robowranglers)
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Re: [FTC]: What could replace Vex in FTC?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfred View Post
There's been a lot of talk about a possible/probable transition from Vex to some other platform in FTC.

This gets me wondering: What platforms out there could be viable replacements?
Right now, I can't identify any alternatives that are on the same level (or better than) the Vex platform.

There are many other [partial] platforms that could be used, but nothing as comprehensive as Vex on both the hardware (mechanical, sensors, etc.) and software (EasyC, MPLAB) side. There are things like Tamiya kits, but they are basically you-build-it toys. BoeBOTs are more or less an electronics and programming only platform. Lego NXT is already used in FLL.

Other things like k'NEX or Erector sets are more or less 'dumb' kits. You can build things, but they don't have any brains or sensors, and they can't react to the environment around them. I don't think FIRST wants to move toward a robot-sumo competition.

If the FTC was to move away from the Vex platform, to another currently available platform(s), it would only be a step down.
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Art Dutra IV
Robotics Engineer, VEX Robotics, Inc., a subsidiary of Innovation First International (IFI)
Robowranglers Team 148 | GUS Robotics Team 228 (Alumni) | Rho Beta Epsilon (Alumni) | @arthurdutra

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