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Posted by Michael Betts.

Engineer on team #177, Bobcat Robotics, from South Windsor High School and International Fuel Cells.

Posted on 1/19/2000 11:43 AM MST


In Reply to: So sayeth Zen Master Elaine... posted by Joe Johnson on 1/18/2000 7:17 PM MST:



Once again, Doctor J has proved himself a true 'Elder of the Ozone'. I wholeheartedly agree with his proposed rule change. However, I would like to suggest a 'small' tweak.

I would suggest changing the phrase 'identical parts' to 'parts with identical form fit and function'.

My reasoning is as follows:

Doing any kind of substantial repairs on a robot using the on site facilities is extremely problematic. The temporary facilities will, in all likelihood, be overwhelmed. Our team waited over six hours at Disney a few years ago for a single (and simple) machining operation.

Also, the availability of raw materials and special tooling would be very different for a team located close to the competition. As an example, Both International Fuel Cells and South Windsor High School are located less than five miles from the Meadows where the UTC NE Regional is to be held. We would have access to raw materials not easily available to a visiting team and would be at a clear advantage compared to a team from, say, the Boston area.

'Parts with identical form fit and function' would allow these 'spares' to be made functionally equivalent alternate materials such as 1/16 6061 aluminum sheet versus the roll of roof flashing available from the local hardware store near the competition. Identical FFF would also allow alternate fastening such as a welded joint versus a jury-rigged ¼-20 bolt. However, identical FFF would NOT allow a redesigned elevator, a different drive gear ratio, an additional or repositioned roller, et cetera.

Once again, 'Gracious Professionalism' must apply. Veteran teams such as Pontiac Central, compared to a rookie team, are less likely to need extensive repairs or redesigns. Those same rookie teams will have less 'luck' in anticipating what will be valuable in 'the pit'. We need to give them every chance we can to field working machines.

Those are my thoughts... Any others out there?