Next Game Autonomous Mode

[oddjob]

The current game structure has it about right. A short autonomous only period, followed by human control with no restriction on autonomous play in that period. I'd hate to see a fully autonomous game. It would dramatically lower the appeal of the FIRST competition to the casual audience. Only a few technosavants would pay to watch a fully autonomous NASCAR race or two robots playing tennis.

If a team were to develop a really good fully autonomous robot, it's legal. If this actually happened I think it would be a problem for FIRST. I doubt they want a fully autonomous game but there is no need for a rule now to prevent it because it is thought to be out of reach. So while it would be an awesome robot, it might force FIRST to change the rules and outlaw it.