Driving an FRC robot. Any job like it?

[Whatever]

In fairness if you really want a job like driving an FRC robot, you can always try to invent it rather than project what will exist in 8+ years.

[Crew Cox]

Originally Posted by pandamonium

I have a unique perspective and a bit of an odd answer here but having been both a drive coach and in business and sales I think they have quite a few similarities. Both are high pressure situations that require intense practice and communication skills.

Very interesting perspective, hmm might have to think about that. I'd +1 but under 50 posts so

[Crew Cox]

Originally Posted by Whatever

In fairness if you really want a job like driving an FRC robot, you can always try to invent it rather than project what will exist in 8+ years.

Also a good point Real Steel FTW

[roboruler]

Originally Posted by Crew Cox

Hi guys, I've been driving for my team for 2 years at this point. It is hands down the most fun/stressful/infuriating thing that I've ever done. Is there any job like it? Or should I just enjoy the next two years to the fullest?

There's no reason why you can't take it up as a hobby. You could try robot combat, that has a similar combination of fun, stress and infuriation.

[Crew Cox]

Originally Posted by roboruler

There's no reason why you can't take it up as a hobby. You could try robot combat, that has a similar combination of fun, stress and infuriation.

Already do the latter as a hobby, it's fun but doubtful as a career

[Karibou]

Originally Posted by Crew Cox

If only dump trucks had joysticks.

Haul trucks (dumptrucks) may not, but a lot of other heavy machinery and manufacturing equipment does (or has joystick-like controllers)! Sticking with the mining trend, many shovels and drills use joysticks, knobs, and a crazy array of buttons. I'm having a hard time finding pictures, but you can see some of the controls in the videos on some manufacturers websites: P&H (drill, shovel, loader), CAT shovel, and here's a really neat informational video that gives you a tour of the innards of a shovel.

Unfortunately, I don't think operating heavy mining equipment is very comparable to driving in FRC, aside from some similarities in controls. Your mileage may vary, but it is usually slow, solitary, repetitive work without much excitement (exact opposite of the FRC environment). It is a high-stress environment, though the stress comes from pressure to increase production and knowing that mistakes can be costly and sometimes extremely dangerous. I wouldn't consider myself an expert in this topic (again, YMMV), but I had an internship in an open-pit copper mine one summer during college, and one of the perks was getting to spend an entire day hanging out in the machinery and talking to the operators, which I found incredibly insightful.

[Crew Cox]

I have actually looked into some of those jobs. I don't know if I could deal with the monotony. Plus isurance wouldnt be cheap lol.

[thatprogrammer]

I don't think being a fighter pilot is too different from driving an FRC robot

[EricH]

At my work, I do a fair amount of moving stuff with a crane. That's slower, but the stress level (and the joysticks) are there.

[OZ_341]

Some military vehicles have a driver, an operator, and a commander that is positioned behind them in the vehicle.
Hmmm.... this sounds vaguely familiar.

[jaredhk]

Originally Posted by pandamonium

I have a unique perspective and a bit of an odd answer here but having been both a drive coach and in business and sales I think they have quite a few similarities. Both are high pressure situations that require intense practice and communication skills.

Makes sense...you get to manipulate people and see the payoff.

[Justin Montois]

Originally Posted by EricH

At my work, I do a fair amount of moving stuff with a crane. That's slower, but the stress level (and the joysticks) are there.

This. Crane operator ftw!

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by Karibou

Unfortunately, I don't think operating heavy mining equipment is very comparable to driving in FRC, aside from some similarities in controls. Your mileage may vary, but it is usually slow, solitary, repetitive work without much excitement (exact opposite of the FRC environment). It is a high-stress environment, though the stress comes from pressure to increase production and knowing that mistakes can be costly and sometimes extremely dangerous.

So if you liked driving in 2015 as much as or more than driving in other years, this job is worth some consideration.

I know this post reads as snarky, but I'm not joking. 2015 gameplay was more similar to operating heavy equipment than any other FRC game we've ever had. Staying focused, working quickly on a mundane repetitive task despite distractions, pressure to work faster vs pressure to not make costly mistakes.

[Jay O'Donnell]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

So if you liked driving in 2015 as much as or more than driving in other years, this job is worth some consideration.

I know this post reads as snarky, but I'm not joking. 2015 gameplay was more similar to operating heavy equipment than any other FRC game we've ever had. Staying focused, working quickly on a mundane repetitive task despite distractions, pressure to work faster vs pressure to not make costly mistakes.

Einstein 2015 was just a tryout for FIRST's next warehouse forklift operator.

[BMiller2559]

I can't believe no one has brought up military or civilian drone pilot. That seems like it would be very close to the same and have the added thrill of a third dimension.