Thread: Multiple Regionals
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Unread 23-06-2002, 22:25
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#0047 (ChiefDelphi)
  
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Ambition must be cut into bite-size pieces
Posted by Daniel, Student on team #192, Gunn Robotics Team, from Henry M Gunn Senior High School and NASA Ames.

Posted on 4/8/99 8:46 PM MST


In Reply to: Excuse Me, Mr. Adam, But Your Fig is Showing posted by Dodd Stacy on 4/8/99 8:42 AM MST:



Dodd,

I think FIRST has a very calculated formula for this. 6 weeks is a great way to teach us students the value of simplicity. Simplicity is elegance. I have always stressed to my team members the importance of the KISS principle.

When we were reviewing possible robot designs, I sat at a table with 4 other students and watched my friends come up in little groups to show us the foam core mockups they had been working on. I remember looking at a few GREAT designs that we could never have finished in time. I recently heard a team member saying 'I'm glad we listened to the comittee, we could have NEVER finished my design'. People only learn this AFTER experiencing the pressure, and it's a wonderful thing to learn. We were essentially forced to keep it simple. I like that.

===============
Here's why:

(1) A simple robot forces you to make the best use of your environment (i.e. ally, human players)

(2) A simple robot allows you to have parts which students can actually manufacture without using some fancy-shmancy shop

(3) A simple robot gives you a chance to finish in time to practice, while working at a student pace (I'm sure you experienced engineers could whip out a monster in 6 weeks, but we like to have the students doing the designing, manufacturing, assembly, etc.)

(4) A simple robot gives less potential for breakage (considering there's less to break)

(5) A simple robot can win the simplicity award...I wonder why they've got one of those =)
===============

I could go on all day. Basically, I'm trying to say that perhaps your solution to finishing on time is to simplify, not to extend. I think that's exactly why FIRST hasn't extended it.

I'm just afraid that the more time you give, the more complex the robots will become; and soon, nobody will be ready for regionals, 'cuz they'll be busy building Frankenstein.

Besides, don't you like to brag to your friends about building a robot in 'only 6 weeks!'?

Just my thoughts on the matter...
-Daniel Lehrbaum
GRT #192 Student Co-Captain



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