Well, since we are linking threads here, I'll draw a quote from the thread you reference:
Quote:
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...going to be the simplest bot imaginable; a simple single or dual pneumatic (or other fast reloading mechanical) catapult, and a kitbot drive base.
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In Portland shooters did
not dominate. (I wish they did... we were one of them.) They did well, but not dominate. None of the shooters came close to being "the simplest bot imaginable", and although at least one used a kitbot drive base (why not?) it was heavily modified. If shooters are "simple" then why did less than 6% of teams at this regional build one?
The only truly dominant shooter I have seen so far is 1114 (although there may be other examples that is all I have seen) and I would hardly call their elegant and effective solution to the hurdling problem simple. Effective, yes, elegant, yes, but not simple.
I think the first weekend of regionals has greatly reduced the potential for describing this year's games and robots in a cynical fashion. No one technology or design has demonstrated an insurmountable advantage over any other design.
Jason