Made in America

[philso]

Originally Posted by noceradave

It is disappointing to see what percentage of components used on our robots are imported.

Should First create a new rule that technology used on robots needs to be "made in America"?

What do you mean by "technology"?

Many participants on this forum would agree that our friends from Clear lake (118) design some of the most amazing and inspiring robots. They did not "outsource" that design work. I don't think 254's 6 second climber was outsource either.

If you are talking about parts, you will have to find a new control system. National Instruments manufactures a lot of their products in Hungary. One of the other posters has already pointed out the Solidworks is based in France. It is a fair bet that most of the chips (IC's) used in the the various electronic modules, motor controllers etc. have foreign content even if the chip is branded with a US-based manufacturer. FIRST would no longer be able to continue with FIRST LEGO League since LEGO is based in Denmark. In my day job, there are instances where there are no US-based manufacturers of suitable parts.

What about your students, mentors and the teachers/professors at the universities your FRC alumni aspire to attend? Do they have to be "made in America" to participate in FIRST?