Bag, Bagging, In The Bag Terms from Michigan Teams

[Badflea]

So..why do you guys bag your robots?

[Chief Samwize]

This year in Michigan they are running a pilot program in which the events are at a smaller scale (only about 40 or so teams at each regional) and they are all localized events. Teams in Michigan compete at the local regionals to qualify for the state championship event at EMU during week six of the competitions. We do not crate our robots and are required to transport them ourselves. Because our build season ends today just like everyone else's our robot must be placed and sealed in the bag, the same as other teams are doing with there crates.

-Sam

[rogerlsmith]

Teams in Michigan are part of a beta program FIRST is trying. It's called FIRST in Michigan, and we now have 7 district events and a state championship rather than 3 regional events. Teams get to pick 2 district events to compete in for about the same price as a traditional regional.

To save $$$, Michigan teams transport their own robots and keep they locked in a bag so that we are not working on them when we are not supposed to.

District events are only Friday and Saturday, also to save money for teams needed hotel rooms.

[dani190]

sounds like a great idea.. Saves wood also...

The only thing i see with this is the possibility of a team being ungracious and possibly finding a way around the zip tie...

Just a thought...

[Joe J.]

I think that has been a concern on many people's mind with this system, but it is what it is. Its an honor system just like the fix-it windows were.

[dani190]

Originally Posted by Joe J.

I think that has been a concern on many people's mind with this system, but it is what it is. Its an honor system just like the fix-it windows were.

thats true...

[Chief Samwize]

Also each tie wrap you put on the bag has a distinct serial number. And the numbers must be recorded by a third party individual.

-Sam

[wingnut1705]

I was wondering if we have a fix-it window for this year's competitions. I've looked through the rules and at a few different websites but I can't find any information on it. If anyone can help me out with this, I would be very grateful. Thanks.

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Joe J.

I think that has been a concern on many people's mind with this system, but it is what it is. Its an honor system just like the fix-it windows were.

There is honor within and among many teams. That breaks down to meaning, there is honor among many mentors, students, and team supporters. That breaks down to meaning, there is honor among individuals and, accountability for one's actions as an individual and as a team is what establishes and maintains the honor. As Joe J. says, it is what it is. The process sounds very well thought out and implemented.

Another question - How did you get the robots in them without ripping the bags? I guess they can be 'stored' on their carts?

[IKE]

Just bagged ours at little before the 5pm deadline.

Overall it is a really interesting process. It also feels much better knowing that while in a bag, the bot is in your control. I had been doing the shipping for our bot the last few years and that was a huge pain. Plus the worry that maybe it will get lost or damaged.

Handling is a little interesting. There is a little extra room so that we grab ahold and move it around.

Overall I like it so far.