What we expect to see from FRC/FIRST in the next 5 years

[Justin Shelley]

I HOPE to see a bigger public awareness for FIRST and all that we do. Right now FIRST has less of a public awareness, from what I've seen, then high school Rugby in America. To do this we as the FIRST community need to be proud of what we do and make it loud around our community and reach for reorganization for what we boldly do. I think FIRST should make a walkthrough of some kind for beginning teams that way they don't get overwhelmed with all FIRST has to offer. I would also like to see a large push from FIRST for all high schools to adopt a FIRST robotics program. Know I want to make sure and note that VEX and other robotics programs are excellent but I have participated in them and they are nothing like FIRST in any way; they seem better fitted for middle school students. If we as members of the FIRST community want to get the same recognition for what we do as varsity players get for what they do then we need to be loud and proud just like varsity sport players are.


What I HOPE FIRST never changes is how competitive it is while still maintaining GP. In other sports and clubs you either get a massive drive for winning with no regards to others or the rules or they don't care about winning just as long as "everyone has fun" and this doesn't promote good ethics either. FIRST seems to be unique with this large drive of winning and the wonderful thing we call GP.


In regard to the technology I hope FIRST progress with the times as technology grows and changes. I would like to see FIRST allow a touch interface controller for the robots along with more technologically advanced interfaces. I am satisfied with the size of the robot now and I would be alright with the size staying fairly similar but maybe changing slightly depending on the size of the game piece. I am for the use of instant replay to determine scoring and rule violations on the field because as a foundation promoting STEM we should use technology anywhere it can benefit us.


I'm sure I left out some great points that I hope others with more experience then me will hit on and what I've said here are my views and I want to make it clear that I'm not trying to speak for the entire FIRST community because I'm sure many people disagree with my opinions.