Robot Stolen in Seattle -- Team 1778

[ChuckDickerson]

I bet if you plaster posters on all the power poles, etc. around the area someone will have seen something and come forward. A FIRST robot is such an odd thing that if there was one where is isn't supposed to be someone will know it. Plaster posters everywhere with a photo just like a lost dog. I bet it will be so odd to see these "Lost Robot" posters everywhere that it will get people talking and looking. Who knows, this could actually turn out to be a good thing in the long run. You never know what new sponsor might see a poster and call the number to find out what the heck it is all about. Just make sure it is clear that it is real and not a joke. If you put up enough posters it will surely be all over the radio and TV because it is just not something you see everyday. News folks would love a story about a robot stolen from a bunch of students. What is the world coming to these days. Good grief!

Keep us posted if anything turns up and best of luck!

[vivek16]

Originally Posted by DeepWater

I bet if you plaster posters on all the power poles, etc. around the area someone will have seen something and come forward. A FIRST robot is such an odd thing that if there was one where is isn't supposed to be someone will know it. Plaster posters everywhere with a photo just like a lost dog. I bet it will be so odd to see these "Lost Robot" posters everywhere that it will get people talking and looking. Who knows, this could actually turn out to be a good thing in the long run. You never know what new sponsor might see a poster and call the number to find out what the heck it is all about. Just make sure it is clear that it is real and not a joke. If you put up enough posters it will surely be all over the radio and TV because it is just not something you see everyday. News folks would love a story about a robot stolen from a bunch of students. What is the world coming to these days. Good grief!

Keep us posted if anything turns up and best of luck!

Yep, after all, when life gives you lemons, make a robot to pit and squeeze them, purchase sugar, cups, water, and ice and make lemonade!!

-vivek

[Graham Donaldson]

Umm...not much to say except that really, REALLY sucks. I can't do much in the way of physical searching out here on the east coast, but I'll do what I can. As disheartening as this is, I'm really happy that some good may come of this (and that students are being semi-positive about it), even if the robot doesn't turn up.

[Herodotus]

I'm absolutely disgusted by such an act. To think someone would actually steal a robot out of a car. I'm also on the east side of the country, so I'm sorry I can't do too much, but if I see anything suspicious on ebay or anything like that I'll be sure to inform you.

I hope you guys get Chilly back.

[Ed Sparks]

Aluminum prices are up ..... I think I heard someone say $.80/lb.

Let's see ....... $.80/lb X 120 lbs = $96

Just look at all the folks stealing copper wiring and power distribution componets while they are energized!

btw: Some don't live to sell it.

[JamesBrown]

Originally Posted by Ed Sparks

Aluminum prices are up ..... I think I heard someone say $.80/lb.

Let's see ....... $.80/lb X 120 lbs = $96

Just look at all the folks stealing copper wiring and power distribution componets while they are energized!

btw: Some don't live to sell it.

It would be less than $96 for the aluminum, there are other components. The market for speed controllers and robot control systems can not be that big, and that is where the real money would be.

Also some of you guys need to meet some bigger people, I used to carry the robots myself, it definitely doesn't require 3 people to move one. (Especially if it has wheels.)

[Blue_Mist]

I'm curious as to the reason behind the kidnapping.

Originally Posted by Ed Sparks

Aluminum prices are up ..... I think I heard someone say $.80/lb.

Let's see ....... $.80/lb X 120 lbs = $96

Well, it's not completely aluminum. My guess is that about four or five pounds might be zipties, wires and the electronics.

[BHS_STopping]

Here is a picture of the missing robot.

I really hope that you guys will be able to get it back. I can understand the amount of time, effort, and care each team member puts into building one of these machines. Having such a thing stolen from your team must feel like losing a friend.

Best of luck in your team's search efforts.