Ethics of 2 teams building 2 identical robots

[Alexa Stott]

Originally Posted by Astrokid248

There's two solutions to this problem: create a district team of both high schools (elimate one team number) or find the funding to get the magnet school a different shop. The former is more cost efficient, the latter inspired more students. But after reading this thread, I believe that two teams in one shop isn't something that works.

I disagree. We worked largely over at 103's facility (they have a machine shop and a full field to practice on). Our robots are nearly identical with a few small differences (we have the flashlight, they have a laser; they have a bridge manipulator, we wheelie onto the bridge; we both use different wheels). I have never witnessed any conflicts surrounding one team's success over another's and the students from both teams are now good friends and the mentors work well together. We help each other out at competitions when one of the robots breaks down and I find myself rooting for them just as much as I do for my own team. The only tough matches are when we have to play each other, but, even then, it's a friendly rivalry and there are never any hard feelings.

In terms of actual workload during the build season, 103's mentors tend to lead the fabrication of parts with assistance from students from both teams. 25 led the software end of things and the code for each robot is nearly identical.

I think it's important to look at the dynamics between the individuals on the team. There are many teams that have successfully collaborated and built identical robots. Take a look at 254/968 or the old Canadian triplets of 1114, 1503, and 1680 or the example I just presented of 25/103 as well as the number of other teams who are able to pull it off.

Also remember that working together in a shop doesn't necessarily mean building identical bots. You can share resources but you don't have to share the same design.