FIRST is missing out

[archiver]

Posted by Dan at 04/27/2001 10:09 PM EST


Other on team - from Carnegie Mellon sponsored by -.


In Reply to: Re: I see it MUCH differently
Posted by Chris Orimoto on 04/27/2001 2:21 AM EST:



OK, here's more of this "pro-BattleBots" nonsense. I hope people are reading this and I hope to continue these discussions. I think there are a lot of misconceptions and I'd rather talk about them then sweep it under. This issue is only going to become more imminent.

1. Robots are very often made by teams.
2. The teams very often work with companies to make their robot. Most sponsors are considered part of the team, they are experts in their respective field and they give feedback on the design. Same as FIRST. I'm talking to some companies right now; they're really enthused about being a part of a team and we're developing a relationship. Just like FIRST.
3. I have met TONS of people from around the country with similar interests doing BattleBots & Robotica. These guys are my competitors but they taught me everything I've needed in the last 3 years. There is a mutual trust between builders that is pretty amazing; some of these guys have mailed me $200 parts before I've even paid because they know I need it ASAP. I'm also hosting 2 of the toughest opponents in my weight class at my house during the competition. It's nothin but love in BattleBots. You have NO IDEA how strong and supportive the BattleBots community is. BattleBots is not a competition to us, it's like show & tell. We all want to come in with a cool robot.
4. Anyone can build a BattleBot, but it takes a huge amount of motivation. But what's wrong with that? I mean BattleBots isn't about being elitist--is FIRST? That's half the fun of it too. People love seeing the teenager versus the professional engineer, that's awesome.

As for your last comment: "how can ANYONE compare FIRST to Battlebots...take out the 'building of the robot' part and their two COMPLETELY DIFFERENT THINGS!"
I think you just *did* compare them, so I don't understand but I agree with the statement.
As for Robotica; please, do start. But understand that:
A) it is a TV show, not a competition
B) the competitors were chosen for their background not their skill
C) we only had a month to build
D) most people didn't have anywhere near the resources of an average FIRST team
E) Ahmet Zappa is cool, regardless of what everyone says. He's not crazy, just wacky.

Oiy-kay
Dan