[tseres]

PREDICTION TIME!!!!!!

my prediction:
in previous years (including this year), elite teams have been defined by mostly previous experience, mechanical design, and some software development. with this new PLC running the robot, for the most part, i'd say the majority of teams will be somewhat in the dark until one is shipped out. next year, i predict that what will make or break all of the veteran teams (therefore leveling the playing field) will be how well they can learn this new system.

for rookie teams, things shouldn't be much different, as they still have to learn the entire system. but, for non-rookie teams, i know for me, the biggest challenge will be learning the new system, essentially putting me in the same position as a rookie team. for this year, at least, i think EVERY team, rookie or not, will have EXACTLY the same chance (or better odds) at success, which, in my opinion, is AWESOME!!