2024 Kitbot Code Discussion

Thought I’d start a thread for discussion of the new kitbot code. This is the first time FIRST has included anything like this, and it’s exciting to see.

My initial thoughts:

  • The PDF accompanying the code is really really good. It explains the accompanying code on a technical level, but also provides a lot of relevant context/motivation for why the project is structured the way it is.
  • The code itself is pretty solid, and (importantly) easy to extend into a more full-featured robot project.
  • Showing different consumption methods does make the code look a little wonky/non-cohesive. It may have been better to include parallel projects rather than showing the different style choices all within the same robot.
  • The “set and forget” launcher architecture that leaves the shooter wheels running while no command is scheduled is a mild motor safety concern.
  • It’d be really nice to see some basic sensor integration for teams to learn from.
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It seems to use CommandBase, which was deprecated/removed (I don’t remember) this year.
I was worried about C++ ownership semantics, but document explains CommandPtr very concisely and well.
I did notice that the implicit requirements in factories defined on Subsystem weren’t mentioned, which could lead to some confusion - but overall the explanations are really good!

I highly second your points both about it being a wonderful new addition as well as that splitting to parallel projects could improve it.

This is an incredible resource, I hope this concept continues to following years as well!

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Does anyone have an example of what the auto code would look like if we wanted to also include launching a note into high goai (speaker???) thanks.