[BB] Bills Blog 07/08/11

[Dave Flowerday]

Originally Posted by Katie_UPS

However I'm not quite comfortable comparing trophies. FIRST and Vex, although similar, are still very different. Vex is controlled by a company that exists outside of the competition, and existed before the competition (IFI). FIRST is a company created solely to do FIRST.

Sorry for the off-topic response, but I wanted to comment on this. This statement isn't really correct. FRC/FTC are very similar to VRC. Let's take a look:

- FRC/FTC are run by FIRST, a non-profit organization promoting STEM education goals.
- VRC is run by the RECF, a non-profit organization promoting STEM education goals.

- FRC/FTC rules limit components you can use in their programs. Specifically, control systems are limited to a single supplier. FTC further restricts you to official TETRIX parts only (with a few additional materials allowed).
- VRC rules limit components you can use in their program. It requires you to use a control system from a single supplier. However, non-electronic parts are not restricted to the VEX brand (equivalent non-VEX brand parts are allowed, as well as a few additional materials).

- The suppliers of the control systems for FRC and FTC are for-profit companies. It is a reasonable assumption that these for-profit companies are able to exert some measure of influence on the FRC and FTC in exchange for their support & donations.
- The suppliers of the control system for VRC is a for-profit company. It is a reasonable assumption that this for-profit company is able to exert some measure of influence on the VRC in exchange for its support.

I think FRC/FTC/VRC are a lot more similar than many people believe.