[Pat Arnold]

As with all aspects of FRC, teams resources vary. I give credit to those who can provide extensive pre-season training. Not all teams have the mentors, experience or time, resulting in many robots each year being "left behind" during autonomous play.

EasyC allows programmers without automation or mechanical experience to get the job done. It provides a simpler platform in which more students can participate and succeed while learning the logical flow of programming and experience how to control a machine using a computer.

The closest business associated with robotics is automation/machine building. A large portion of automation control is done using PLC's programmed with ladder logic which is syntactically completely different from C. The logical thought process behind it though is the same. EasyC also involves this logical thought process.

A real world business will use the most efficient tool for the job. Many machines that are controlled using PLCs could be controlled with a micro controller (Like PIC)...but they're not. Why? It's because it is more efficient (and maintainable) to use a higher level language.

It really is not about the language being used.

Pat A. and Aaron (Her automation engineer/ automation business owner hubby)