FIRST 50 years ago / 50 years from now.

[ctt956]

I predict that there will no longer be a machine shop shuttle driver, as the shuttles will drive themselves. I think(hope) FIRST will still exist, but instead of being needed to get people interested in STEM, it will just be "for fun"(for lack of a better term).

[Michael Hill]

In 50 years...

We might have actually convinced someone at FIRST that LiFePO4 batteries are a viable option.

We'll have re-standardized on more "modern" 20 degree pressure angle gears.

We're seriously considering issuing the game manual in only metric (but we're still machining everything in imperial).

My team will finally get around to building a swerve drive.

[mr.roboto2826]

Originally Posted by marshall

I predict that in 50 years there will no longer be a bag day.

In all seriousness, I think programming is going to get a lot easier in the next 5-10 years, manufacturing will get easier in the next 10-15, and beyond that, I'm not sure.

While it might sound bleak, I hope that in 50 years FIRST is no longer necessary and doesn't exist because we as a society have integrated these ideas of valuing science, technology, math, and engineering into our educational system in a more fundamental way and we are preparing students to become professionals who take pride in their work, collaborate across boundaries, and work to raise the level for everyone in the world.

A boy can hope can't he?

Although it may not be necessary, it should still be around. Where else would kids go that want to do extracurricular activities that aren't "the norm". It shouldn't go away, but be accepted just like football/soccer/basketball is right now. Some of the most fun I had as a high-schooler was in FIRST (I also played tennis and basketball).

[ASD20]

In 50 years we will have grown to the point that we don't just clean out Andymark and Vex during build season, we clean out McMaster.

[TheBoulderite]

In 50 years, Recycle Rush will be but a forgotten memory to all but those that participated. Those who did will have nightmares and flashbacks whenever they hear the name. Also, districts will be in every US state/region (except for Minnesota) and there will be five championships.

[ASD20]

Originally Posted by TheBoulderite

Also, districts will be in every US state/region (except for Minnesota)

Well, this thread is a goner now.

[Michael Corsetto]

Originally Posted by TheBoulderite

In 50 years, Recycle Rush will be but a forgotten memory to all but those that participated. Those who did will have nightmares and flashbacks whenever they hear the name. Also, districts will be in every US state/region (except for Minnesota) and there will be five championships.

CA Districts in 2065, calling it now!

[ctt956]

Originally Posted by TheBoulderite

In 50 years, Recycle Rush will be but a forgotten memory to all but those that participated. Those who did will have nightmares and flashbacks whenever they hear the name. Also, districts will be in every US state/region (except for Minnesota) and there will be five championships.

Don't give them any ideas...

[jajabinx124]

Originally Posted by TheBoulderite

Also, districts will be in every US state/region (except for Minnesota) and there will be five championships.

Poor MN.. I wonder if I'll see them to go districts in my lifetime..

[marshall]

Originally Posted by Michael Corsetto

CA Districts in 2065, calling it now!

Now that's Lunacy!

[Whatever]

Originally Posted by tjf

I was talking to some of 1257's students about science fiction literature and thought that, FIRST is a type of science fiction. 50 years ago this type of thing could only have been fiction and yet it is. If you were to explain to someone in 1966, 3 years before the moon landing, that teenagers would have the capability do build machines complicated as the work done at NASA, with some equation overlap?

This post reminded me of watching a video waaaay back when I was junior high about an engineering contest at MIT. So I googled away and found the video on you tube. It was broadcast on PBS in 1985. I think the members of this forum will find it interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9ijA4UBCQ0

I apologize if this video is well known on this forum but based on the number of views I am guessing not.

[jajabinx124]

Originally Posted by Whatever

This post reminded me of watching a video waaaay back when I was junior high about an engineering contest at MIT. So I googled away and found the video on you tube. It was broadcast on PBS in 1985. I think the members of this forum will find it interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9ijA4UBCQ0

I apologize if this video is well known on this forum but based on the number of views I am guessing not.

Holy moly that looks fun!! Thanks for sharing that video, I've never seen it.

[tjf]

Originally Posted by Whatever

This post reminded me of watching a video waaaay back when I was junior high about an engineering contest at MIT. So I googled away and found the video on you tube. It was broadcast on PBS in 1985. I think the members of this forum will find it interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9ijA4UBCQ0

I apologize if this video is well known on this forum but based on the number of views I am guessing not.

I had no idea that this video existed, and yet... It feels so familiar

I can't help but smile at the video.

Also, is that Woodie at 10:44!? That would certainly explain quite a bit.

[troy_dietz]

Originally Posted by tjf

Also, is that Woodie at 10:44!? That would certainly explain quite a bit.

Based on the 3rd image in this gallery: https://www.technologyreview.com/s/4...oodie-flowers/, I'm going to say yes.

[tjf]

Originally Posted by troy_dietz

Based on the 3rd image in this gallery: https://www.technologyreview.com/s/4...oodie-flowers/, I'm going to say yes.

Okay, so I feel dumb now. At 4:21 it shows and names him specifically as professor. In addition, it was part of their 270 course when he was there... Still though, interesting to see the evolution of the programs that would eventually (hope it's safe to say this) become FIRST.