BrickWorld Chicago: 2012

[inxt-generation]

BrickWorld Chicago: 2012 is in less that two months. I'm going. Is anyone else here going? Do any of the "official" presences here have any preliminary info on the challenges? On the BW: Behind the Scenes blog, Bryan mentioned a LEGO car derby. Pretty much like a PineWood derby, but the cars are made with LEGO! Last year, I also heard somebody say that they were going to host a sumo contest again this year . Bad idea for them. Remember my experiences last year? And, I've improved much since then. RobotC instead of NXT-G, more knowledge of sumos, more parts, inflated ego (oops. didn't want to type that! Just move along, move along, nothing to see here ).

So, anybody else plan to go? Compete? etc?

[mattallen37]

I think you meant: http://www.brickworld.us/chicago/

I doubt I will be able to go, but would really like to.

[inxt-generation]

I think you meant: http://www.brickworld.us/chicago/

I doubt I will be able to go, but would really like to.

Oops Fixed.

Aw, that's too bad. The sumo was really fun last year.

EDIT: Oh, BTW, they've got the rules for the derby: http://www.brickworld.us/chicago/view/info/50/

[hassenplug]

I'm hoping they're going to get all the competitions posted soon. I'm looking forward to the Build On The Spot (BOTS) event on Thursday.

There will be sumo again, to go with the derby & boat race.

We're getting close...

Steve

[inxt-generation]

Yay! Moar Su/\/\0! The derby looks pretty interesting. I'll definitely be making a couple of things for that. Now the question remains: Do I bring my super-top-secret project that I'm working on, or build some sumos? Decisions, decisions.

[hassenplug]

Looks like all the challenges are posted. The "Satellite Repair" should be interesting.

BTW, the sumo rules have been tweaked to remove a small item that caused you (inxt-generation) some frustration last year.

I need to start building. http://www.brickworld.us/chicago/

Steve

[inxt-generation]

Looks like all the challenges are posted. The "Satellite Repair" should be interesting.

BTW, the sumo rules have been tweaked to remove a small item that caused you (inxt-generation) some frustration last year.

I need to start building. http://www.brickworld.us/chicago/

Steve

Yes, I'll need to do something for that. I wonder how they're supporting it? A two pound robot 7 feet in the air would need something pretty strong to keep it from tipping.

Oh, I hadn't noticed that they changed it. Thanks for pointing that out, Steve!

[inxt-generation]

Guess what? I'm going to be a exhibitor at BrickWorld! I'll be displaying the robots I built for the competitions, and maybe some other things. I've a question for you: what is the best way to display robots that won't be running except for in competitions? It seems kind of boring to me to just have them sitting there. Also, would it be a good idea to have a laptop or something running a loop of videos from some of my other stuff? e.g. flexpicker, bucket 'o' bricks, last year's sumo, etc.

EEEEE!! So excited! Can't wait!

[inxt-generation]

I've a question for you: what is the best way to display robots that won't be running except for in competitions? It seems kind of boring to me to just have them sitting there. Also, would it be a good idea to have a laptop or something running a loop of videos from some of my other stuff? e.g. flexpicker, bucket 'o' bricks, last year's sumo, etc.

Anyone? Any ideas? Should I just have them sitting there with their cards?

[hassenplug]

Sorry, I think I typed up a reply, and it seems like it got lost.

Displaying competition robots is very tough. Even at a place like this, you tend to spend more time talking about the playfield and rules, than the cool parts of the robot & robot design.

My approach, build stuff that displays well.

I'll warn you right now, 75% of the people that pass by, won't really think much about your stuff (actually, about robots, not just your robots). However, there will be a handful of us who will appreciate them.

Remember that, and don't be offended by the people who simply don't understand what it is.

See you in <checks the web site> 23 days!
Steve