[Andy Baker]

In most cases, it would be nice to be able to add a simple electric circuit or two on FIRST robots. We could make our own simple sensors in order to increase performance.

However, this would have to be TIGHTLY monitored and restricted.

FIRST tries to maintain fairness between teams. If they open up this area so that teams can make their own electric circuits, then the divide between the "haves" and "have nots" could get very large.

For instance, Delphi Automotive Systems has been making automotive electronics for many, many years. We sell millions of electronic gadgets to make things operate easier, safer, and better PER WEEK. Our division (Delco Electronics) alone creates around a hundred of patents per year, all concentrating on little electronic circuits.

Also, there are many other FIRST team sponsors besides Delphi who have many resources in this area. Visteon, TRW, Bosch, Motorola and DiamlerChrysler are just a few who have the ability to put traction control devices on FIRST robots, let alone other proprietary electronic devices.

Granted, exposing high-tech electical solutions to students would be inspiring... but many teams do not have the opportunity of putting flip-chips on ceramic substrates or micro-machining their own IC.

So... my vote would be yes. BUT, this would need to be done with EXTREMELY TIGHT restrictions. These restrictions would be needed in order to keep some resemblence of fairness between teams.

Andy B. who really has no business talking about sparky stuff, but still has an opinion.