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Originally Posted by popnbrown
I never really thought that FIRST could be done on a collegiate level, just because during college competitions are usually based around the robot itself versus FIRST competition's where the way you interact is a part.
However, with that said, I would be more than interested in participating in one. The game would probably have to be much harder or the kits would have to be more basic. I feel that now FIRST has gotten very tight about the KOP, and especially with last year's game, that you're starting to see very similar robots. So something where not just the robot design but the actual hardware/software/electrical components can be different.
Basically something in between DARPA and FRC.
Also, add a formal design report, and presentation instead of the Chairman's presentation I guess.
So instead of Chairman's being the highest award, it should like Engineering Design, the actual report of the team, how well the presentation is, and how well they applied the principles. Although, that might be a bit tough on the judges.
I would be super excited to start a collegiate level team out here in University of Illinois - Urbana, for this and still be involved in FRC.
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This is great feedback! We definitely plan on emphasizing the engineering challenge. One of the possibilities is requiring teams to submit what would amount to a conference paper detailing the design decisions and engineering principles that underlie their robots.
We recognize the same dilemma in other robotics challenges. Not to point any fingers, but it's not just about the robot, it's about the experience of creating, engineering, innovating, problem solving, leading, being part of a team and so much more. I doubt we'll get it right on the first go around, but we're certainly going to give it our best shot.
From our discussion so far, I think we're close to your analogy of a middle ground between DARPA and FRC, although we are going to try and keep things somewhat contained and spectator friendly. That said, the KOP should be limited and the overall rule-set should be greatly reduced within the limits of safety. The idea being, allow students to be clever and innovative; let them come up with something so wild that it surprises everyone. We don't want it to be one of those trudge through the rules for loopholes, but more along the lines of insight and innovative engineering.
We can discuss your University's participation as well, please feel free to send me an email or PM. I imagine you must be involved with the JSDC during Engineering Open house, I have traveled to UIUC for the past 3 or so years with the ITR teams out of Chicago. The JSDC folks put on quite an event!