The Winningest Robot

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Posted by Mike McIntyre.   [PICTURE: SAME | NEW | HELP]


Coach on team #1, Juggernaut, from Oakland Technical Center Northeast and 3 Dimensional Services.

Posted on 10/8/2000 11:02 AM MST



I know that FIRST isn't just about winning, that everybody who participates is a winner...etc., but just for a minute I would like to look ONLY at the robot and make the record the ONLY criteria: what do you all think was the most successful robot in the history of FIRST? This kind of friendly debate goes on in sports all the time and there can be no winner (since we are comparing apples and oranges) but I would make the case for two machines: (Team #47)Chief Delphi #3 (back in '98) won 3 straight regionals, and this year's (Team #1)3-Dimensional Service and OTCNE's 'Juggy' won 4 tournaments, took second in 2 tournaments, and 3rd in another. What other nominations are out there?

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Posted by colleen.   [PICTURE: SAME | NEW | HELP]


Coach on team #246, Blue Light Special, from John D. O'Byrant High School/Boston Latin Academy and NSTAR/Boston University/UTC/Raytheon/MassPEP.

Posted on 10/8/2000 3:23 PM MST


In Reply to: The Winningest Robot posted by Mike McIntyre on 10/8/2000 11:02 AM MST:



Maybe in one year they were never the most 'winningest' robot.. but i think 126 Gael Force has a strong past for building competitive robots that are worth recognizing.. I will always be proud to be a part of their team.. and priviledged to contribute to their track record for 3 years as driver..

And I also think Delphi is another team that always builds a quality robot year after year..

But mainly-- I would say that Assabet comes out with one of the best, toughest, and most competitive robots every time.. I don't know that they have as many awards as the others.. but it's not as much medals that matter as quality of robot.. I still remember the scene from the '99 River Rage when Lebanon lifted the puck and 157 never fell off.. who needs a trophy when your robot can do that?! Every year, they are one of the most highly competitive teams that may often be overlooked because they don't bask in the glory of gold time and time again.. but hey.. they are one good team who would definitely deserve it..

And I read Mike Martus' post as well.. bragging causes negative.. but I think that if we respect that this are solely individual opinions we can appreciate the work of all teams..

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Posted by Andy Baker.

Engineer on team #45, TechnoKats, from Kokomo High School and Delphi Automotive Systems.

Posted on 10/8/2000 9:33 PM MST


In Reply to: Clinton, Delphi, and overall Assabet... posted by colleen on 10/8/2000 3:23 PM MST:




: And I also think Delphi is another team that always builds a quality robot year after year..

Colleen,

Here I go being a picky engineer... but I can't let this one slide by.

There are 6 fully-sponsored Delphi teams. Also, Delphi co-sponsored 3 additional teams last year, bringing the total to 9.

By the way, last year was the first year since '97 that a Delphi team was not in the finals at Nationals. Get this:

'97 ChiefDelphi (47) was National Runner-up
'98 TechnoKats (45) win Nationals
'99 Team ELITE (48) win Nationals w/ 1 & 176
'99 TechnoKats (45) was Nationals Runner-up w/111 & 84

We all were watchin' the finals last year.

Next year, also keep an eye on the Delphi Knights (49), the Circuit Stompers (378), and Flint Southwestern (397).

Andy B.

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Posted by Mike Kulibaba.   [PICTURE: SAME | NEW | HELP]


Other on team #88, TJ², from Bridgewater-Raynham Regional and Depuy, a Johnson and Johnson Company.

Posted on 10/8/2000 4:18 PM MST


In Reply to: The Winningest Robot posted by Mike McIntyre on 10/8/2000 11:02 AM MST:



I think it is tougher to choose the winningest robot cause these last two years it took a team and not a robot. Back before Alliances were formed there was always Chief Delphi, I always remember seeing there name up there. Buzz has always had good robots too, same with Nypro Clinton, these teams have taken what worked when it was every man to themselves and took it to another level with the alliances. It is a great question for debate but Delphi would have to be my choice for overall best robot.

Kuli team 88 Tj²

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Posted by Mike McIntyre.   [PICTURE: SAME | NEW | HELP]


Coach on team #1, Juggernaut, from Oakland Technical Center Northeast and 3 Dimensional Services.

Posted on 10/8/2000 4:56 PM MST


In Reply to: Re: The Winningest Robot posted by Mike Kulibaba on 10/8/2000 4:18 PM MST:



Overall and over time, I may agree with you about Chief Delphi; for a specific robot, however, I almost forgot about the Beatty Hammond 'bot of 1997: I think they were undefeated, winning both a regional and a national title; had there been multiple post-season tournaments back then, no telling how many wins they would have racked up.


: I think it is tougher to choose the winningest robot cause these last two years it took a team and not a robot. Back before Alliances were formed there was always Chief Delphi, I always remember seeing there name up there. Buzz has always had good robots too, same with Nypro Clinton, these teams have taken what worked when it was every man to themselves and took it to another level with the alliances. It is a great question for debate but Delphi would have to be my choice for overall best robot.

: Kuli team 88 Tj²

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Posted by Mike Kulibaba.   [PICTURE: SAME | NEW | HELP]


Other on team #88, TJ², from Bridgewater-Raynham Regional and Depuy, a Johnson and Johnson Company.

Posted on 10/8/2000 6:24 PM MST


In Reply to: And then there was Beatty... posted by Mike McIntyre on 10/8/2000 4:56 PM MST:



: Overall and over time, I may agree with you about Chief Delphi; for a specific robot, however, I almost forgot about the Beatty Hammond 'bot of 1997: I think they were undefeated, winning both a regional and a national title; had there been multiple post-season tournaments back then, no telling how many wins they would have racked up.

Mike,

I remember that robot well, it had a goal topper so after they put there 3 or 4 tubes on the top the show was over. It was quick and it definately deserved the championship. That was my favorite year of competition and we had our best robot that year. I enjoyed the individual competition but that is another story for another time.

Kuli TJ²

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Posted by Michael Martus.   [PICTURE: SAME | NEW | HELP]


Coach on team #47, Chief Delphi, from Pontiac Central H.S. and Delphi Automotives Systems.

Posted on 10/8/2000 8:16 PM MST


In Reply to: The Winningest Robot posted by Mike McIntyre on 10/8/2000 11:02 AM MST:



A very open question to say the least. Over the past 5 years I have seen many robots that I watch in Awe.

What was the robot that was almost all chrome? I will never forget that image, I did forget the team.

This past year I have several teams that I pick off the top of my head as teams that I would love to partner with:

#68 GM the HOT Team. We were partners at the Sweet repeat, came close to winning but no cigar.

#1 OTC - The strongest of the defensive robots this past year. In the last few competitions everyone ( except the Chief) tried to bash them as they were hanging on the bar. We tried to be partners but it never worked out. I can dream.

I just went blank as I think of all the great teams past and present. Please if I did not list you don't be offended.

I really miss the Boston Team led by Mike B. Always a strong machine.

HeY! What about a Robot Hall of Fame. We could nominate and vote machines from particular years into this group with a picture.

Hey Brandon ( my son ) can we create a hall of fame with robots pictures.

FIRSTERS.... what process should we use? Ideas?

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Posted by Jason Morrella.

Coach on team #254, Cheesy Poofs, from Bellarmine/Broadway and NASA Ames/Cypress Semiconductor.

Posted on 10/9/2000 12:38 AM MST


In Reply to: The Winningest Robot posted by Mike McIntyre on 10/8/2000 11:02 AM MST:



Obviously we all have our biased points of view - but since you asked Mike, I'll put in my 2 cents.

Part of our success is actually due to our desire to reach the heights of the 'model' programs accross the country like the Technocats, the Chief, the Gila Monsters, Kingman Bulldogs, Truck Town, the Hot Team, Wildstang, GRT, etc..... We aren't there yet as a program, but thank you for setting the bar so high and showing all FIRST teams how high we should set our goals and expectations. FIRST isn't about winning, but building a program like the forementioned teams have done.

HOWEVER.... If based on 'winningest robot' - here is the case presented for the Cheesy Poofs (254) who have been a FIRST team for only 2 years
(playoffs in both Nationals entered & what we are most proud of: Co-Champions of all 3 regionals and both off season tournaments we have entered):

7 tournaments entered in our brief history - playoffs in all 7
(3 regionals, 2 nationals, 2 off-season tournaments)
1999 NASA Ames Regional Co-champs (with 100)
1999 National Playoffs (with 64 & 232)& Judges Award winner
2000 NASA Ames Regional Co-champs (with 60 & 409)
2000 Lone Star Regional Co-champs (with 364 & 437)
2000 National 5th place (with 64 & 364)& Judges Award winner
2000 Summer Classic Tournament co-champs (with 330)
2000 California Robot Games co-champs (with 330)

There are so many great teams in FIRST - but if based on winning percentage, I think the CHEESY POOFS have to make any list. AND ONE MORE THING - I DIDN'T SEE ONE VOTE FOR A WEST COAST TEAM on this thread????? What more do the West Coast teams have to do to get some love?

As the competition at the 2000 Nationals, Regionals, and the 2000 California Robot Games showed - we have a group of powerhouse teams out west now whose ranks include 3 past National Champs, 6 Regional Championship banners, numerous national awards (robot & animation)and more. Between the Gilamonsters (64), the Kingman Bulldogs (60), Woodside Wildcats (100), Monta Vista (115), GRT (192), Vintage (232), Cheesy Poofs (254), Foothill (255), Beach Bots (330), Oak Grove (409), the two Hawaii (McKinley & Waialua)teams who made the finals in their rookie year, and a list that goes on - it looks like the Silicon Valley and Southern Cal Regionals should be as competitive as any this year!!!!

We know the odds say the Cheesy Poofs streak will most likely end in 2001, but our goal remains the same - to be competitive, do the best we can, have a great time & learn a lot, and be the best ally we can be.

I haven't made a post in awhile (sorry about the length) - guess I saved it all up. We look forward to seeing everyone in San Jose, LA, and Orlando!

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Posted by Jason Morrella.

Coach on team #254, Cheesy Poofs, from Bellarmine/Broadway and NASA Ames/Cypress Semiconductor.

Posted on 10/9/2000 12:56 AM MST


In Reply to: Re: The Winningest Robot posted by Jason Morrella on 10/9/2000 12:38 AM MST:



The Cheesy Poofs, Team 254, finally has a web page:

http://appliedit.arc.nasa.gov/robotics/

The link below should work now - but thought I'd include it just in case. It will be update soon with all the 2001 team information.

P.S> kick off is going to be here faster than any of us think!!!!!!! I'm already getting that nervous/excited/terrifed feeling.

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Posted by Erin.   [PICTURE: SAME | NEW | HELP]


Other on team ? from ? sponsored by ?.

Posted on 10/9/2000 5:55 AM MST


In Reply to: Re: The Winningest Robot posted by Jason Morrella on 10/9/2000 12:38 AM MST:



This message yet again proves that you naturally know and are biased towards teams in your area. Someone finally noticed that we didn't mention many west coast teams

It's good to spread yourselves out with regionals. And, I think Kingman (Ford, team 60) ROCK!!!!!!!! They were the first team I saw play at Cali on NASA tv and I was blown away. Hopefully I will get to see Cheesy Poofs in action again someday.

-Erin

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Posted by Mike McIntyre.   [PICTURE: SAME | NEW | HELP]


Coach on team #1, Juggernaut, from Oakland Technical Center Northeast and 3 Dimensional Services.

Posted on 10/10/2000 12:44 AM MST


In Reply to: Re: The Winningest Robot posted by Jason Morrella on 10/9/2000 12:38 AM MST:



Jason, it looks like the Cheesy Poofs have, indeed, put up some 'Hall of Fame stats' as they say in the sports world; the reason you and others on the West Coast have not gotten much mention is that we in the East don't see you on a regular basis. I had no idea you guys had that kind of a record going!


: Obviously we all have our biased points of view - but since you asked Mike, I'll put in my 2 cents.

: Part of our success is actually due to our desire to reach the heights of the 'model' programs accross the country like the Technocats, the Chief, the Gila Monsters, Kingman Bulldogs, Truck Town, the Hot Team, Wildstang, GRT, etc..... We aren't there yet as a program, but thank you for setting the bar so high and showing all FIRST teams how high we should set our goals and expectations. FIRST isn't about winning, but building a program like the forementioned teams have done.

: HOWEVER.... If based on 'winningest robot' - here is the case presented for the Cheesy Poofs (254) who have been a FIRST team for only 2 years
: (playoffs in both Nationals entered & what we are most proud of: Co-Champions of all 3 regionals and both off season tournaments we have entered):

: 7 tournaments entered in our brief history - playoffs in all 7
: (3 regionals, 2 nationals, 2 off-season tournaments)
: 1999 NASA Ames Regional Co-champs (with 100)
: 1999 National Playoffs (with 64 & 232)& Judges Award winner
: 2000 NASA Ames Regional Co-champs (with 60 & 409)
: 2000 Lone Star Regional Co-champs (with 364 & 437)
: 2000 National 5th place (with 64 & 364)& Judges Award winner
: 2000 Summer Classic Tournament co-champs (with 330)
: 2000 California Robot Games co-champs (with 330)

: There are so many great teams in FIRST - but if based on winning percentage, I think the CHEESY POOFS have to make any list. AND ONE MORE THING - I DIDN'T SEE ONE VOTE FOR A WEST COAST TEAM on this thread????? What more do the West Coast teams have to do to get some love?

: As the competition at the 2000 Nationals, Regionals, and the 2000 California Robot Games showed - we have a group of powerhouse teams out west now whose ranks include 3 past National Champs, 6 Regional Championship banners, numerous national awards (robot & animation)and more. Between the Gilamonsters (64), the Kingman Bulldogs (60), Woodside Wildcats (100), Monta Vista (115), GRT (192), Vintage (232), Cheesy Poofs (254), Foothill (255), Beach Bots (330), Oak Grove (409), the two Hawaii (McKinley & Waialua)teams who made the finals in their rookie year, and a list that goes on - it looks like the Silicon Valley and Southern Cal Regionals should be as competitive as any this year!!!!

: We know the odds say the Cheesy Poofs streak will most likely end in 2001, but our goal remains the same - to be competitive, do the best we can, have a great time & learn a lot, and be the best ally we can be.

: I haven't made a post in awhile (sorry about the length) - guess I saved it all up. We look forward to seeing everyone in San Jose, LA, and Orlando!

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Posted by Andy Grady.

Other on team in limbo from in limbo sponsored by in limbo.

Posted on 10/9/2000 7:43 AM MST


In Reply to: The Winningest Robot posted by Mike McIntyre on 10/8/2000 11:02 AM MST:



Even though they only won competitions in one year, I would have to say the most devistating robot I have ever seen that I feel could have won any competition it went to was Beatty and Hammond in 97. I just remember watching the thing in awe as it capped the goal with 3 tubes in what was it...13 seconds or so! Ouch

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Posted by Chris.   [PICTURE: SAME | NEW | HELP]


Coach on team #308, Walled Lake Monster, from Walled Lake Schools and TRW Automotive Electronics.

Posted on 10/10/2000 7:09 AM MST


In Reply to: Beatty and Hammond posted by Andy Grady on 10/9/2000 7:43 AM MST:



: Even though they only won competitions in one year...

Actually, Beatty and Hammond won two regionals in 1999 (with OSMTech as a partner). They were actually my pick to win the nationals - they had a great machine and great drivers.