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Unread 14-12-2007, 00:18
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FRC #1197 (Torbots)
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Re: Corporations Build Robots

AndyB is correct; this does partially fall under mentor/student build ratio discussions. It is also not prohibited from happening.

blakcheez, Paul is referring to a rumor that pops up from time to time that a given team (which team depends on who starts the rumor) has not included the students in their design and manufacturing at all. This is usually proven false as soon as it is introduced.

To answer Paul's questions:

1) I believe it's just a rumor and will continue to think so until it is proved true. I certainly hope that it never is. (personal opinion)

2) Not usually. The most common occurrence is an accusation. I think that your post is fine for now, as it could spark some healthy debate. As soon as it turns into an accusation/flame/mentor vs. student built thread, then it should be closed.

3) Personally, I don't think this helps the students at all. Unless the design process is explained to them, they are not really participating other than driving the robot. That would be like grabbing Joe-off-the-street to drive in NASCAR, or worse, lead the pit crew for that NASCAR team. He doesn't know a thing about performance increasers, race strategy, etc. The students don't really learn what being an engineer means. Chances are, they won't be inspired. (May be exceptions, of course.)

3b) I'm going to go out on a thick limb and say that a team that actually did something like this would be looked upon with displeasure by the FIRST community as a whole. This is based on the "mentor vs student built" threads and the large consensus toward a 50-50 split or fully student built robots expressed in them.
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2003-2007: FRC0330 BeachBots
2008: FRC1135 Shmoebotics
2012: FRC4046 Schroedinger's Dragons

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