I'm back with some advice

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by dtengineering

Although I'm in the category of classifying this as a "standard disclaimer", I could also see it being a message not to spend too much on drive train components because there are going to be some really cool ones included in the KOP. After all, if you went out and bought a couple of super-shifters only to find them included in the KoP... well, that wouldn't be BAD news, but it certainly would have been money that you could have spent on something else.

Or, being a pessimist...

In 2007 and 2008, there have been new rules to clarify the use of COTS items. For example:

Originally Posted by 2008 original robot rules

However, COTS items that have been specifically designed as a solution to portion of the FIRST
Robotics Competition challenge may or may not fit within the FRC intent, and must be carefully
considered. If the item provides general functionality that can be utilized in any of several possible
configurations or applications, then it is acceptable (as the teams will still have to design their particular
application of the item). However, COTS items that provide a complete solution for a major ROBOT
function (e.g. a complete manipulator assembly, pre-built pneumatics circuit, or full mobility system) that
require no effort other than just bolting it on to the ROBOT are against the intent of the competition, and
will not be permitted.

Maybe the new rules will make many common COTS components that teams are used to buying illegal. In 2007, there was a lot of backlash, because teams had already purchased items. Now, everybody's gotten a warning...