No Time to Rest, FIRST Robotics Competition is Gearing Up for 2010
The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) staff is very proud of the 2009 season. We introduced an all-new control system, developed a new field management system, piloted District Events, and grew the number of participating teams all in a single year. It made for a challenging build season for staff and teams alike, but thanks to teams that reached out to lend a hand and National Instruments, who provided onsite help at events, every team attending an FRC event, no matter the state of their robot when they arrived, was able to get out on the field and compete during that event. In the successful 2009 FRC season, no robot was left behind. View the FRC Championship photo gallery.
Now that the 2009 season has come and gone, the FRC staff is gearing up for 2010. Each of the FRC fields will be unpacked, repaired where necessary, and refurbished, ready to be updated with new elements for the next season’s game. A full competition field will be set up on the first floor at FIRST Headquarters and used to prototype game elements, experiment with potential game pieces, test game play, and explore new technology that may be offered in the 2010 Kit of Parts. There’s a lot that goes into game design and most of it happens here at FIRST.
The 2010 Kit of Parts promises to be even more technologically advanced than last year. Java will be available as an additional programming language option for FRC teams in 2010, thanks to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and the Sun SPOT project at Sun Microsystems. Details and updates will be posted on the FIRST website, the WPI website, and the Sun website. CAN bus operation of the Jaguars was demonstrated at the 2009 Championship because FIRST hopes to be able to utilize this current feature on the Jaguar in the near future. Additionally, a team of staff and volunteers is busy designing upgrades for the Driver Station introduced in 2009.
We’re putting a lot of thought into the future of FRC. We’re well aware that times are tough, so we’re looking at how we can keep FRC affordable without losing the elements that make FIRST special and unique. We’re re-examining almost everything with an eye toward keeping the magic, maintaining quality, and continuing to offer the FRC experience without breaking the bank. We’re planning for a 2010 season that is better than ever.
But if you haven’t had enough of LUNACYTM, check out the community events listing on our website. Lots of teams hold invitational events over the summer. Not only is it fun and entertaining; teams use these events to recruit new members, practice their driving skills, and learn from one another. Visitors are welcome at these events, so if there’s one in your area, consider yourself invited and come share in the fun.
We’ll see you at FRC Kickoff, January 9, 2010!