Programmers: I Have A Challenge For You

[slavik262]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

I don't see why I should do this when I could spend my time winning instead, especially because game pieces are basically in random locations and 5 other robots are on the field too. Implementing fully autonomous control, with any semblance of strategy, isn't going to happen.

Essentially what I was going to say. Ambition is never a bad thing - it should always be a reward to go above and beyond. However, I think you underestimate how much work fully autonomous code is. Granted, I've never done it myself, but imagine how much you have to do. I'm not doubting anybody's programming ability, but you have to face the facts: even if you do extensive work during the off-season, you only have six weeks to tailor all of your code to a game. Good AI that adapts to the current situation is difficult enough to write by itself. Making a robot respond to it adds another very large layer.

A much more practical goal would be semi-autonomous systems which would let the robot "help" the driver in accomplishing certain taks, i.e. lining up for a shot.