FIRST Robotics Kickoff 2013
Kickoff this year was as exciting as it always has been. Cheers filled the auditorium as the presentation began, and every team held their breath for the reveal of this year’s new game. Hints about the game popped up in the video and the whole crowd tittered with excitement. One could practically see the gears turning in every attendee’s head as Ultimate Ascent was introduced.
Once the video feed was over, the auditorium almost instantly filled with the chatter of team members discussing ideas they had and challenges they anticipated. Two people from each team eagerly mounted the stage to check out the model field elements, taking pictures and measurements of the driver’s station and tower.
After the kickoff, we headed back to Sutherland High School, excitedly telling teammates our own thoughts on the game on the bus and through a pizza lunch.
The whole team congregated back in the main room and we had a succinct talk about three major strategies: scoring, supporting, and defending.
The team then split into slightly smaller groups to brainstorm more specific strategies before regrouping and sharing each group’s ideas.
Deciding on a strategy now will give us direction later when we begin the phase of designing the robot.