Teams get to build two robots that work together as a team. That changes the robot design and robot strategy dynamic significantly. Do you build two identical robots, or build two different robots with different skills and capabilities? And now, with 3D printing and machining, there are new skills to be learned and taken advantage of, too.
Need a new sensor that isn't available from VEX. You have choices! Buy one and integrate it, or, even better, build it. Students can design their own circuits to enhance the capabilities of their robot. There are new skills to learn, including schematics, circuit design, microcontrollers, and new sensor technology. The possibilities are real, and the learning potential is too!
Just imagine what comes next for your programming skills! You will have to replicate your driver skills in code. That means path planning, object manipulation, and scoring. You will have to write your offensive and defensive strategy in code. That means you need to calculate the score, determine the next best move, coordinate both robots, and execute the plan fast. Finally, and possibly the biggest challenge, is you will have to anticipate and react to your opponent's strategy and changing field conditions... all in code.
