1519 - One Dual-Config Robot or Two Robots?

[Daniel_LaFleur]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

Ken,
Without really seeing the mechanisms in person, I would have to agree with the decision that was rendered at GSR based on the description and photos. A rather simple test in testing robot configurations is whether one supports the other as in a detachable arm or other component. If you consider Speed racer to be an attachment it would need to be "attched" to your other base. Moving electronics from one base that drives to another base that drives does not, in my mind, represent two attachments but two separate robots. That does not preclude your attempt to think outside the box and design a unique solution that potentially could win on several levels. I applaud your ability to build both pieces and stay below the 120 lb limit. R12 makes an example for weigh in but the example further describes the multiple configuration.

Al,

I disagree with you. The issue is what defines a robot, Is the robot that chassis or the robot controller? It's much like what is a person, the brain or the body.

In my personal view the robot controller (brains) is the robot. The rest is just attachments.

At what point does the "modular" become a new robot? When someone changes wheels? Arms? chassis? where is the line?

It truely saddens me to see that even in FIRST, innovation and inspiration is shunned and punished because it does not 'conform' to their perceptions of what is supposed to be.

Just my 2 cents.