New Robot Control System!

[Cuog]

I'm certainly excited about a new control system for 2009. Sadly I may not be on a team that year as I graduate in 2008, but mentoring sounds like fun

For me and I'd hope many out there a hardware change will bring about new and exciting possibilities. For me it really is about the adventure and not the end result, and I hope that these changes bring a new and exciting adventure. Whether they stay with IFI or not doesn't seem to be well addressed but I don't think it matters, if its IFI they will likely do as they always do and work closely with teams and come out with something great, if its not IFI then it will be another company that I am quite sure will do the same thing before FIRST would consider them for such an integral part of the robot designs. I certainly have faith that the many brilliant minds running FIRST will be able to pull this together.

Also I would like to point out to those worrying about time that build season is 6 weeks, or roughly two months because there is still work happening at competiions and on fix it windows etc. so FIRST has given itself the equivalent of 10 seasons to work this out. Just think of how much we accomplish in 10 seasons, I'm sure FIRST can do the same.

I think that a new processor with lots of power and options will be a great improvement. I would love to see something that can use graphical interfaces like EASYC to get a quick autonomous for those that want it, and still the option for the embedded linux people to "hard code" their own amazing systems. By giving so many options that it will be hard for any team to use them all I think FIRST will really open the door for better autonomous modes just because of the number of choices.

This may also be another chance for FIRST to level the field again. With the new system rookie teams and veteran teams will be pretty close to each other once again in terms of knowledge and it will encourage a LOT of cooperation among teams which was my favorite part about this year's game.