Quote:
Originally Posted by Thad House
It definitely is interesting how you go to different areas of the country and get completely different robots. Get me a set of robots from Texas, California, Michigan, PNW and NE, and every one will have much different design values.
As for this actual thread, I always liked the look of the 254 flat gearboxes from 2013 and 2014. I keep suggesting to VexPro they should release those, because the form factor for those is really convenient.
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Local teams are inspired by (or in some cases flat out copy) aspects of design and methodology from highly successful teams in their area. There is also a different game culture in different areas of the country, especially with respect to defense.
These trends are especially prevalent in drivetrain and chassis design, since these change less from year to year. You used to see it even more before AndyMark and VexPro and others were offering so many high-quality COTS parts (and fewer teams were going to the World Championship and there was less "globalization" of FRC).
I think this is one of the neatest parts of FRC, and I enjoy walking around Championships observing local trends and "natural selection" at work.
Is FIRST making it too easy?... yes they are making it easier than years past. But I would also say that does that matter? If students are still inspired to pursue more advanced designs and eventually a career in the technology sector we still have met our ultimate goal. - MikeDubreuil [more] 
10-20-2015, 11:35 AM
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