Thoughts on Ri3D and BuildBlitz

[KeeganP]

Hey everyone. I am in no way suggesting that we discontinue/disregard that the Ri3D and Build Blitz teams did an incredible job and should be thanked for their amazing effort, skill and time commitment to making FIRST better.

All I'm suggesting is that next year they limit their production of exact resources until after build season is closer to a conclusion. I agree that teams could theoretically just turn a blind eye to all of this, but can you really control an entire FRC team's internet access? What happens when one student comes in and says "look at this robot!" or claims to have a great idea the he/she *knows* will work because they saw it already.

I think that perhaps if the teams had just waited until later to release their CAD drawings I would personally be happier -- teams couldn't just copy the robots. I understand that no robot (hopefully) will be a direct copy of it, however I think that being able to look up the exact dimensions, part numbers, etc. for building an obviously successful robot becomes degrading to a team that can no longer call their robot design original and student led. After all, what's FIRST's mission? To inspire a generation of technology leaders. Are they going to learn to think outside the box when they can download 5 different robot CAD files and combine them? Or are they just learning how to assemble a box set?

Let's keep this discussion going and how we can improve upon the Ri3D and Build Blitz ideas, rather than attacking each other's views on what "inspiration" and "cheating" are.

[mrnoble]

I have the privilege of coaching/mentoring two teams from different schools, one much younger and less experienced (and less supported) than the other.

The more mature team was able to come up with many possible designs through brainstorming (which is mostly a shared pot of knowledge based on experience), then did research and evaluated designs from previous years, as well as the Ri3D/Blitz designs, once they were available. The design they eventually settled on (after multiple prototypes and proofs) was not one shown in any of the builds, though it was inspired by other teams as well as past successes. They have appreciated the Ri3D/Blitz input, but didn't end up implementing much from those robots.

The younger team has struggled with research, prototyping, designing, you name it. Having struggled through the learning experience, they finally realized that some of the mechanisms and ideas they saw in the videos were beyond their capability, but that others were things they understood and had done in a different context with success. They are "copying" one or two elements of a couple of the Ri3D/Blitz bots, as best they can, based on what they know how to do. They are pushing themselves and are finding joy in the learning process. For them, making a kit base and changing one or two elements is in itself a challenge, and having ideas presented in ways that they can understand has been the very definition of "inspiring".

I am in agreement with those who look at Ri3D/Blitz as an evolution of the FRC experience. This organization and idea has been around for more than 20 years, and has gone through huge changes. The games are more streamlined and subtle, and are more friendly to spectators. The COTS and kit parts are way better than they used to be. The drive bases have been iterated to near-perfection. And now, even rookie teams don't have to come away proud of their duct-taped drive base that barely moves; most of the teams that would have had that experience in the past now can put their efforts (still Herculean) into a robot that can drive and compete. That is progress.

Addressing a concern of the original poster: the BOM for team Boom: Done helped my younger team as they worked to figure out torque/speed ratios today. That in itself made me appreciate them even more, and I support the sharing of anything they are willing and able to share.