I think a main concern for teams is the cost of the new kit. A lot of teams poured money into VEX thinking it will last them a long time. Now that a new kit is the platform for FTC, many smaller teams will not be able to afford enough parts. Since FIRST is working with several providers for the parts rather than IFI Robotics, I think it shows that it would cost a great deal more than the $300 VEX starter kit.
Another concern is the use of machining and powertools. VEX was great because you could build your entire competition bot with a wrench and two allen keys (which I did), and can still be extremely competitive. If the new platform requires a lot of machining like in FRC, this will put teams without access to the proper tools at a huge disadvantage.
Another thing I'd like to point out is the time issue. Many students do FTC rather than FRC because it is a lot less time consuming. This is an especially big factor for seniors. With VEX I've always said you can build a competitive robot in one day (and I've proved this). If this new kit is a lot more time consuming, many teams will choose not to do it.
There are my three points about the new platform. Of course, I don't know anything about the new platform I just based this on
"We're making the change to give our teams the raw material they need to solve real robotics challenges that exist today. The new kit is a true robotics prototyping platform. It includes a variety of components from sensors, to motors, to metal, that represent current technology."
One thing I have to point out. I love the aluminum gears as well as the extremely powerful aluminum.
As of now both IFI and FTC Competitions look appealing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfred
Color me perplexed that FIRST would announce something as major as a platform change for one of their competitions on a Blogger account that I can't find linked to anywhere on usfirst.org. The information presented seems to jive with everything we've been hearing through the grapevine (and heck, the guy in the video is doing a pull-up on a field-spec overpass), but I'm holding out a little bit longer to be certain. (Can someone more familiar with the building confirm whether that paint scheme on the wall is seen in FIRST Place?)
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Wow, I never even considered the idea that this could be a hoax. If it is, its got to be the best hoax I've ever seen XD
I've just noticed that stargazer, the CD member who posted this blog has 1 post and just joined. Could mean nothing...