Multiple practice robots--Core Values?

[Janet Dixon]

Coaches, I would like your thoughts on whether allowing a team to build several duplicate robots so that they can make progress more rapidly on the missions. I coach large teams, so there are always issues with passing the robot around to test the programs. Do you think this practice in keeping with the one team, one robot rule?

[timdavid]

I think it is a good idea. It allows the kids on the team to get more hands-on time with the robot. The teams I've coached have usually ended up building duplicate robots. Early in the season, the kids often build two different, competing robot designs, and work to determine what design elements are best suited for the challenge.

The "one team, one robot rule" only applies to the actual competition table at a tournament. A team can bring multiple robots to a tournament, either identical or different, but can only bring one to the competition table for a particular match. If the team has three rounds of robot matches, it could choose to bring three different robots to the competition table for those matches, a different one for each match.

[Tom Mosher]

Originally Posted by Janet Dixon

Coaches, I would like your thoughts on whether allowing a team to build several duplicate robots so that they can make progress more rapidly on the missions. I coach large teams, so there are always issues with passing the robot around to test the programs. Do you think this practice in keeping with the one team, one robot rule?

For the team I work with, having multiple identical base robots is a very good idea. It allows multiple missions to be developed and debugged at the same time, so it's an efficient use of the limited practice time. With a large team, it keeps everyone busy and allows for own-paced learning. This group has I think five identical tri-bots, and all of the accessories are interchangeable.

[dnb]

Originally Posted by Janet Dixon

Coaches, I would like your thoughts on whether allowing a team to build several duplicate robots so that they can make progress more rapidly on the missions. I coach large teams, so there are always issues with passing the robot around to test the programs. Do you think this practice in keeping with the one team, one robot rule?

Our team uses multiple robots, though they're not exactly duplicates. All robots use the same wheels, track (distance between the wheels), and mounting points for attachments. The robots differ in construction, bracing/stiffness, weight and balance. All robots are used interchangeably.

This approach prevents the team from tweaking programs to suit a particular robot. If a program works well for all robots then the program is more robust and less likely to be affected by slight day-to-day variations in the robots.

[mkabot68]

I agree with the others, absolutely no issue having multiple robots. The advantages for the kids in having more hands on time is invaluable.

[scherrsj]

My comments on this topic are based on some of the important goals that I see for participation in FLL.

I've spent a lot of time as a judge, asking teams questions about how they make decisions about their robot design, as well as how FLL fanned the flames of their interest in science and technology (and all of STEM).

With the Food Factor judging rubrics, a team with multiple robot or chassis might be able to speak about how having them affected the team in the skill areas of Effectiveness, Inclusion, Respect, and possibly Coopertition and Integration, not to mention Design Process.

Making more rapid progress on the robot missions is merely a gratifying side-effect--although it can be a bonus in maintaining enthusiasm and helping with inspiration of others!

I should note that I've also seen teams where having access to an abundance of robot resources made it very clear that the team was still in a Developing stage when it came to understanding Gracious Professionalism. I certainly don't think that having lots of equipment caused that--it just helped to make it clear to me as a judge. It might also have an effect on some of the natural constraints that some teams use to help achieve more balanced emphasis in the various parts of the challenge.

Bottom line--yes, having multiple robots for design and practice can be a factor in your team having a great FLL experience, especially with involved coaches and mentors (which are key, no matter what!)