Coopetition Ramp

[Jay H 237]

Teams that have operational previous year robots should practice balancing robots on a ramp copy of this years piece. We are looking at doing this just to see how hard it will be to coordinate with another driver in achieving the balance and get some training in on it.

[AlexD744]

While we're on the subject of ramps, did anyone else notice the little note from the GDC that said:
"As the level of competition at the FIRST Championship is typically very different than during the competition season, the Game Design Committee will possibly alter the value of balancing at the FIRST Championship within the range of 5 to 15 points per Robot."

They kind of are trying to give themselves a get out of jail free card if the point system turns out to not work.

[Ernst]

Originally Posted by AlexD744

While we're on the subject of ramps, did anyone else notice the little note from the GDC that said:
"As the level of competition at the FIRST Championship is typically very different than during the competition season, the Game Design Committee will possibly alter the value of balancing at the FIRST Championship within the range of 5 to 15 points per Robot."

They kind of are trying to give themselves a get out of jail free card if the point system turns out to not work.

This refers to the alliance bridges, not the Coopertition bridge.

[RayTurner1126]

i think the coopertition bridge really is exactly what the spirit of FIRST is about, working with your own alliance members becomes just as important as working with the opposing alliance. i like it, it's an interesting twist.

on that note, i feel it might be important to have us share information regarding our weights and centers of gravity prior to a regional here, so that teams can adequately match up who can balance who, etc. i feel like it'd be useful.

[Cyberphil]

This idea is a very unique and ingenious way to promote Coopertition that I hope the GDC puts into use for years to come. I think you will see more Coopertition this year than ever.

Last year at the events I attended I only saw a few cases of Coopertition (sharing minibots for those of you who don't know) and in most cases it was in eliminations within an alliance. The problem, in my opinion, with last year was if you shared a minibot with another team who was not on your alliance you risk eventually loosing to them (if you did not take the minibot away from them when you played against them).

This years Coopertition eliminates that problem by making it relatively useless in the finals (unless you are trying to win the award), and only beneficial in the quals.

I see what you did there GDC...

[davidthefat]

Anyone have any answers about the legality of hooking onto alliance member robots on the bridges? Hooking onto opponents are clearly off limits, but never mentioned alliance members.

[NJEchoAlpha]

Originally Posted by davidthefat

Anyone have any answers about the legality of hooking onto alliance member robots on the bridges? Hooking onto opponents are clearly off limits, but never mentioned alliance members.

The rule has no exemptions, so hooking onto alliance members wouldn't be permitted as well I guess.

[davidthefat]

Originally Posted by NJEchoAlpha

The rule has no exemptions, so hooking onto alliance members wouldn't be permitted as well I guess.

I guess G26 clears that up... I was just looking at G27

[Ernst]

Originally Posted by davidthefat

Anyone have any answers about the legality of hooking onto alliance member robots on the bridges? Hooking onto opponents are clearly off limits, but never mentioned alliance members.

The robot-robot interaction rules (G26-G30) disallow extending within an opponent's frame perimeter:

[G27]
Deliberate or damaging contact with an opponent Robot inside its Frame Perimeter is not allowed.

They say nothing about deliberate contact with an alliance robot inside its frame perimeter.

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by ZehP

The robot-robot interaction rules (G26-G30) disallow extending within an opponent's frame perimeter...

They say nothing about deliberate contact with an alliance robot inside its frame perimeter.

Nor about deliberate contact with a opponent's robot outside its frame perimeter. So maybe opponents can interlock with each others' extended hooks while attempting to balance on the center bridge? Hmm....

[davidthefat]

[G26]
Strategies aimed at the destruction, attachment, damage, tipping or entanglement of Robots are not in the spirit of the FRC and are not allowed.

[the man]

Is coopertition worth to much? Do you guys think the 2 seeding points awarded it too much? I think one would be more reasonable. If you end up matched against teams that cant balance, unlikely but possible, you would be out a lot of seeding points.

[JaneYoung]

From the fans in the stands point of view, this is going to provide one of the most exciting moments in FRC's history. The first time they see the two alliances attempt this, there will probably be confusion and quiet. The first time they see it accomplished, there will be a deafening roar. The roar will be one of awe and inspiration with, perhaps, an aha moment or two thrown in. The term, bridge, is a beauty.

It will be like this throughout the season and off-season. I can only imagine what the Championship event will be like. Or IRI.

Love it.

Jane

[Apeace]

I know it says you can't attach robots to others, but what if you extended a ramp they could drive onto?

[Ninja_Bait]

I think the ramp is legal, if you can extend a 14" ramp that will make it easy for robots to drive up over your bumpers and onto the bridge.