Robot Stolen in Seattle -- Team 1778

[Bomberofdoom]

I'm just trying to find some kind of situation that could make any sense on stealing a robot.... If they thought it was a chair, they'd realize it's not one of your regular chairs once they've looked at the robot and try to lift that 120lb robot.......

Don't know what to say. I wish you and your team will have your Chilly brought back in tact and that we will not hear any of these nonsense kidnappings.

"Robot missing! Please help us find our dear Chilly. It's a robot with an arm that can grab inner tubes. Finders will be rewarded"


Siriouslly...

[JaneYoung]

This certainly does provide a wonderful opportunity for the community to rally around FRC 1778 and learn about FIRST, robotics, and value(s). I agree with you Mr. Steele, it is amazing that the team is thinking as to how they can help promote FIRST and robotics while dealing with these circumstances. That commitment is ingrained in them. It speaks volumes for FRC 1778 and for the FIRST program in general.

It does stink, I'll give you that.

[ChuckDickerson]

I bet if you plaster posters on all the power poles, etc. around the area someone will have seen something and come forward. A FIRST robot is such an odd thing that if there was one where is isn't supposed to be someone will know it. Plaster posters everywhere with a photo just like a lost dog. I bet it will be so odd to see these "Lost Robot" posters everywhere that it will get people talking and looking. Who knows, this could actually turn out to be a good thing in the long run. You never know what new sponsor might see a poster and call the number to find out what the heck it is all about. Just make sure it is clear that it is real and not a joke. If you put up enough posters it will surely be all over the radio and TV because it is just not something you see everyday. News folks would love a story about a robot stolen from a bunch of students. What is the world coming to these days. Good grief!

Keep us posted if anything turns up and best of luck!

[vivek16]

Originally Posted by DeepWater

I bet if you plaster posters on all the power poles, etc. around the area someone will have seen something and come forward. A FIRST robot is such an odd thing that if there was one where is isn't supposed to be someone will know it. Plaster posters everywhere with a photo just like a lost dog. I bet it will be so odd to see these "Lost Robot" posters everywhere that it will get people talking and looking. Who knows, this could actually turn out to be a good thing in the long run. You never know what new sponsor might see a poster and call the number to find out what the heck it is all about. Just make sure it is clear that it is real and not a joke. If you put up enough posters it will surely be all over the radio and TV because it is just not something you see everyday. News folks would love a story about a robot stolen from a bunch of students. What is the world coming to these days. Good grief!

Keep us posted if anything turns up and best of luck!

Yep, after all, when life gives you lemons, make a robot to pit and squeeze them, purchase sugar, cups, water, and ice and make lemonade!!

-vivek

[Graham Donaldson]

Umm...not much to say except that really, REALLY sucks. I can't do much in the way of physical searching out here on the east coast, but I'll do what I can. As disheartening as this is, I'm really happy that some good may come of this (and that students are being semi-positive about it), even if the robot doesn't turn up.

[Herodotus]

I'm absolutely disgusted by such an act. To think someone would actually steal a robot out of a car. I'm also on the east side of the country, so I'm sorry I can't do too much, but if I see anything suspicious on ebay or anything like that I'll be sure to inform you.

I hope you guys get Chilly back.

[Ed Sparks]

Aluminum prices are up ..... I think I heard someone say $.80/lb.

Let's see ....... $.80/lb X 120 lbs = $96

Just look at all the folks stealing copper wiring and power distribution componets while they are energized!

btw: Some don't live to sell it.

[JamesBrown]

Originally Posted by Ed Sparks

Aluminum prices are up ..... I think I heard someone say $.80/lb.

Let's see ....... $.80/lb X 120 lbs = $96

Just look at all the folks stealing copper wiring and power distribution componets while they are energized!

btw: Some don't live to sell it.

It would be less than $96 for the aluminum, there are other components. The market for speed controllers and robot control systems can not be that big, and that is where the real money would be.

Also some of you guys need to meet some bigger people, I used to carry the robots myself, it definitely doesn't require 3 people to move one. (Especially if it has wheels.)

[Blue_Mist]

I'm curious as to the reason behind the kidnapping.

Originally Posted by Ed Sparks

Aluminum prices are up ..... I think I heard someone say $.80/lb.

Let's see ....... $.80/lb X 120 lbs = $96

Well, it's not completely aluminum. My guess is that about four or five pounds might be zipties, wires and the electronics.

[BHS_STopping]

Here is a picture of the missing robot.

I really hope that you guys will be able to get it back. I can understand the amount of time, effort, and care each team member puts into building one of these machines. Having such a thing stolen from your team must feel like losing a friend.

Best of luck in your team's search efforts.

[Cory]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

Wow.... that is really really strange.

Hopefully whomever stole it will quickly realize it is of no value to them (unless there are familiar with FIRST/possibly combat robots [knows the value of victors]... and I can't imagine anyone of us doing it).

I found this statement to be noteworthy. It seems to me that the prevailing thought is the people in FIRST must all be good people, because FIRST is a good program. Unfortunately that simply is not the case. While most participants are upstanding citizens, there will always be people who are either malicious, take advantage of their position of power, abuse others trust in them, or are downright sleazy. While there may be less of these people in FIRST than in the general population, without a doubt they still exist.

Everyone should think about that fact before deciding to blindly trust any FIRST'er they meet (as all too many of us do).

P.S. Sorry if it seems like I'm picking on you Adam, didn't mean it that way

I can't imagine why the average person would steal a robot. They generally aren't easy to carry, transport, or sell...nor do they look like they are of particular value. I hope that the culprit is found ASAP.

[synth3tk]

Well, when will the Search & Rescue party be formed? Does your child own a cellular device? How old is he or she?

(Just trying to add a little humor. I'm sure this is a tough time for you all.)

[Rickertsen2]

Wow. That really sucks. Did they take the OI and control system to or just the robot? I hope yall find it.

why steal a robot. Well robots are pretty cool. If you have no morals and are looking for something to compulsively steel, what's cooler than a robot? Thats why we build them isn't it. I doubt anybody stealing a robot is looking to make money by parting it out or selling it for scrap.

I wish you the best of luck in getting it back but sadly, stolen goods are hardly ever recovered.

[AndrewN]

Thank you everyone for your support.

Chilli was taken without the ramps, just the chassis. They did not get the operator console or interface.

It's totally useless, except as parts. There are 7 victors and a couple of
spikes. The motors (CIM) are connected to the chain drive through a banebot
transmission. One radio was mounted. Did I mention that they only have the RC and not the OI??

We are hoping that the local TV station will put something on the news today asking for Chilli's return.

[vivek16]

well good luck to you guys. yikes that is worth a lot. I know victors alone run upwards of a hundred dollars so there is atleast a couple thousand dollars worth of stuff on there

-vivek