[FRC Blog] - NASA Grants and Something New for 2015

[mrnoble]

So now we know a bit more:

Wheels (check!)
Tough Box Mini, therefore CIMs (check!)
Multiple possible configurations (check!)
Opt-out, therefore similar parts costs (check!)

We can't yet eliminate field elements like hills, steps or obstructions, but it would be pretty tough to make that kit bot climb, even with monster truck wheels. I reserve judgement on that.

I don't know that I have enough imagination to come up with a viable way to increase spectator-friendliness, keep low-level teams viable, and challenge high-level teams, while fundamentally changing the game. I'm sure the GDC is smarter than I am, though, so I look forward to seeing how they move this sport forward.

FWIW, last year's game was essentially hockey, heavily adapted to the point where it could be called "robot ball". I wish they could just rejigger last years game with the lessons that were learned and not come up with a totally new challenge; it had the most potential of any game I've been in to become a real sport, even though it had some near-fatal flaws.