RSAD Warning

Posted by Nate Smith.

Other on team #66, GM Powertrain/Willow Run HS, from Eastern Michigan University and GM Powertrain.

Posted on 2/22/2000 10:03 PM MST

Based on reports that I have been recieving from various teams today, I would like to give the following warning of a potential side-effect of the FIRST Robotics Competition: Robot Separation Anxiety Disorder(RSAD.) Those most likely to suffer from RSAD are those team members who have been involved inside and out on the design of the machine. Students, teachers, parents, engineers, and any other group associated with a FIRST team are at risk. Symptoms of RSAD include:

  • Traveling with your machine to the drayage or shipping site.
  • Attempting to get just ‘one more chance’ to use your machine before it is crated.
  • Attempting to smuggle yourself into the crate with your machine.
  • Reminicing over the memories with the machine through pictures, stories, re-inactments, etc.

If you think you or someone you know may be suffering from RSAD, please make every effort to attend one of the treatment sessions listed at the page linked below.

Sincerely,
Nate Smith
RSAD Effects Study Head

Posted by Thomas A. Frank.

Engineer on team #121, The Islanders/Rhode Warrior, from Middletown (RI) High School and Naval Undersea Warfare Center.

Posted on 2/23/2000 3:21 PM MST

In Reply to: RSAD Warning posted by Nate Smith on 2/22/2000 10:03 PM MST:

Ah, but you missed the initial symptom, the warning that you are about to lapse into RSAD:

Sleeping for 24 hours straight (regardless of where you happen to be at the time) right after your robot leaves the nest…

TAF

Posted by Lora Knepper.

Student on team #69, HYPER (Helping Youth Pursue Engineering & Robotics), from Quincy Public Schools and The Gillette Company.

Posted on 2/23/2000 4:52 PM MST

In Reply to: RSAD Warning posted by Nate Smith on 2/22/2000 10:03 PM MST:

: - Attempting to smuggle yourself into the crate with your machine.

We need a bigger crate…I told them to make it bigger!!

: - Reminicing over the memories with the machine through pictures, stories, re-inactments, etc.

sniffle …and there’s one of it’s first trip up the ramp…oh, and the first ball…

Nate! You have to help me!!! It’s getting bad…really bad…and I have to wait for the NE Regional!!! Is there a cure??

Lora

Posted by Nate Smith.

Other on team #66, GM Powertrain/Willow Run HS, from Eastern Michigan University and GM Powertrain.

Posted on 2/23/2000 4:59 PM MST

In Reply to: Hi, My name is Lora, and I am a RSAD sufferer… posted by Lora Knepper on 2/23/2000 4:52 PM MST:

: Nate! You have to help me!!! It’s getting bad…really bad…and I have to wait for the NE Regional!!! Is there a cure??

: Lora

Afraid not…fortunately, however, it is only a temporary condition, solved when the machine arrives safely into your possession again at the end of the season.

Dr. Nate

Posted by Doug Fischer.

Student on team #41, Warriors, from Watchung Hills and Cordis.

Posted on 2/23/2000 5:29 PM MST

In Reply to: RSAD Warning posted by Nate Smith on 2/22/2000 10:03 PM MST:

I cant say i have RSAD, i think i have the exact oppoisite, dont get me wrong, i love our robot, but after many sleepless weeks, i couldnt be happier to see it go. With our robot gone i have time for the other things in life: eating, sleeping, and whats it called? oh yeah, homework. Not to mention time for family, friends, and my girlfriend, all of whom have been worried about my mental stability over the past 6 weeks.