Thread: Battlebots is NOT violence
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Unread 24-06-2002, 03:29
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Re: Battlebots is NOT violence
Posted by s_alaniz at 04/11/2001 6:02 PM EST


Other on team #57 from Houston Regional co-ordinator.


In Reply to: Battlebots is NOT violence
Posted by James Jones on 04/11/2001 1:53 PM EST:



YIKES!
When did this discussion start??? Hey agreed there's great entertainment value for the masses if we destroy each other's robot... We can always build weapons, but we can also build other things that are a lot more useful on a daily basis.
Robotic warfare is already a reality... and I am grateful for the people who do it to keep us safe and free, but one of the missions of FIRST is to foster co-operation. That doesn't happen in Battlebots..... (and...as was pointed out... bashing some of these robots would be like tearing up the Mona Lisa...) (Ok so I exaggerate...) Don't forget, our robotic warplanes, tanks and other necessary military hardware were built by engineers who co-operated in the process.
As for that dictionary definition of violence... a definition is by nature broad but can't cover every situation. As long as it's impersonal.. robot bashing is probably not violent... but how many teams at FIRST took no personal pride in their work? It wouldn't take much to start up some really hard (and nasty) feelings between FIRST teams in a combat style competition and I'm sure there are hard feelings fostered in battlebots.
I think the FIRST teams could take over battlebots and dominate... but we're trying to promote engineering ... not warrior sports events.
There is an issue here and it's a tough one, but my real objection is that programs like battlebots (robotica) have sold out to the entertainment business and do little to promote engineering and teamwork. Some pro sports have gone this direction and it's not a pretty sight...
For anyone doing Battlebots... (sigh) as Yoda said, "strong is the dark side in that place..." (WHY does he always talk backwards?)
Still there is a temptation to go into battlebots and show them what REAL robots can do.... think they would care for a robot that simply renders the other ineffective but not destroy it?


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