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Unread 24-06-2002, 03:29
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Re: Battlebots is NOT violence

Posted by Nola Garcia at 04/11/2001 11:47 PM EST


Other on team #59, RAMTECH, from Miami Coral Park and Environmental Aeroscience.


In Reply to: Re: Battlebots is NOT violence
Posted by s_alaniz on 04/11/2001 6:02 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?
As a Battlebot builder and driver I feel like I have to respond to what you said about there being no cooperation in Battlebots. Being in the pits at Battlebots is like being in the pits at a FIRST competition. What you see are all kinds of people who have built robots. Guys who built them in their garage, and people who have built them in professional machine shops. People who are eningeers and people who are aspiring engineers, as well as people who just love to build these things. At the last competition in Las Vegas Nightmare and Surgeon General were in the Battlebox - Surgeon General took a hunk out of Nightmare and Nightmare ended up beating Surgeon General and messing up his blade pretty badly. Nightmare had to go on pretty quickly but his gear box gave out and the builder of Surgeon General gave him a new motor to help him on his way. This was not an unusual thing, believe it or not it happens all the time. In fact it is a tradition to give your opponent a small piece of your machine after the competition.
As far as promoting engineering - you would not believe the amount of people who come up and talk about engineering and how to improve my robot Buddy Lee Don't Play in the Street. From my son's neurologist to the manager at the bank to a limo driver in Boston who recognized me. They all have their ideas for a winning robot. When Battlebots goes to commercial break most people talk about the last match and what they would have done differently. People who would never think about engineering are actually THINKING. They actually envision themselves as robot bilders.
There are many ways to inspire people, and FIRST is a true leader. In the Olympics there is more than one event. Shows like Robotica and Battlebots are another. Their viewing audience reaches over 6 million people, many of whom have never heard of FIRST. When I talk to people I tell them about FIRST as well as Battlebots. In my mind they are BOTH good. There are good things to be gotten out of both.
Battlebots is also putting major funding from their entertainment profits into Battlebots IQ - a high school competition. So the entertainment industry is making a positive effect on kids, education and engineering and technology.
As far as Battlebots liking a robot that simply renders another ineffective and doesn't destroy it - they would love it - they welcome all. And by the way if you watch the show you will see that very rarely do the robots get totally destroyed. The builders and drivers know that the other guy put in a lot of time and more often than not want to compete again. There is always the rumble at the end of the competition.

I will end by saying that I LOVE FIRST and Dean has created a wonderful thing and has started many people on a great road, me included. I also LOVE Battlebots, the creators Trey Roski and Greg Munson have inspired quite a few people and are working to do even more - they think Dean is AWESOME!!
Long live robotic events!!


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