FIRST Robotics Match Simulator Exhibits
Lockheed Martin Developers:
Blake Ross, Dave Stevens, and
David Dobbs
WPI IQP:
Brad Miller (Advisor),
Arthur Dutra, Ciarán Murphy,
Andrew Nehring, Jeffrey O'Rourke
0000.PPT 12/30/08 1
5th Gear – What is it?
• Developed by some of Lockheed Martin’s
FIRST Robotics mentors
– Intended to simulate a FIRST
challenge: 6 players using XBox360
controllers to control OverDrive or
Lunacy robots.
– Created at the beginning of 2008
– Full setup shown at these events:
• NASA/VCU Regional in Richmond,
March 2008
• Indiana Robotics Invitational (IRI),
July, 2008
• Tempest 'N Tampa (TNT), October,
2008
– 5th Gear 2009 was released to the FRC
teams on January 27th.
5th Gear provides teams with a valuable simulation tool
2
5thGear Competition League
• Tests at various regional competitions and FIRST
Championships this year
• Full Rollout during the 2010 FRC Season
3
5th Gear Exhibit Successes
“Lockheed Martin joined us as
an exhibitor in a creative and
unique way by speaking the
language that today's youth
understand” – Pattie Cook,
FIRST Regional Director
“I, along with the rest of the IRI,
appreciate that you let us use
the simulator ... this was
definitely a huge plus!” – Jeff
Smith, IRI competition planner
Exciting Exhibit which encourages the pursuit of S&T Careers
4
Exhibit Details (1/4)
What is needed to run a 5th gear Exhibit?
• Exhibit Space at the venue
– Possible exhibit sizes (8’x18’, 12’x12’, 10’x12’, 10’x18’)
– Ensure power requirements can be met (depends on hardware used)
– Appropriate amount of table space
• Suggested exhibit arrangements use 2-3 2.5’ x 5’ tables
– See Exhibit Floor Plan option slides 1-4
• Exhibitors
– (Optional) Someone oriented to encourage Science/Technology
• Someone tied to tech careers (Executive? Manager? Recruiter?
Engineer?)
– 1 to 4 (or more) people to run the simulation and help students learn
how to use it.
• Trained on use of 5th Gear software prior to regional
– Read and understand the written instructions (URL goes here)
– Practice at least once before the day of the event
5
Exhibit Details (2/4)
• Hardware
– Computers
• 7 PCs (laptops or desktops) (w/mouse, keyboard, and monitors)
• 6 optional wired Xbox 360 Controllers (Strongly recommended, but optional)
– LAN Equipment
• Ethernet Cables
• Minimum 7 port hub/switch
– Power
• Power strips (with surge protection) supplying enough outlets
–
–
–
–
•
PCs,
Monitors,
LAN Switch power,
Any additional displays or equipment
Extension cords
– To reach at least one 15 Amp circuit, more than one if the display’s equipment
draws more than 15 Amps.
– Optional Big Display(s) – For audience and users
• Large Screen Plasma or LCD display screen(s)
• –or- Projector(s)
• Video cables to connect any/each PC(s) to each big display
– Right connectors
– Right length
• Large desktop monitors for each Computer
– Optional small PA system with wireless microphone
6
Exhibit Details (3/4)
• Software/PC Setup
– 5th Gear Installed on all machines
– PCs set up as a LAN
• PCs’ LAN addresses are known and will not change during
the exhibit (avoid using DHCP)
– Setup tested prior to exhibit
– See downloadable instructions here (URL)
• Booth Material
– Control instruction sheets at each station
• Printed from this file (URL)
• Laminated if possible
– 1-Page Game Descriptions (posted or hand-outs)
– Handouts / Signs / Posters / Banners / Pamphlets
• Sponsor
• FIRST
• S&T
• Engineering careers
7
Exhibit Details (4/4)
• Prizes/giveaways
– From Sponsor or the Regional
– Simple trinkets and/or trophies (or contributions to charities)
• Camera – To record still photos and/or Video
• Optional Activities
– Informal competition (high score, or even mini-mock up of
FIRST elimination challenges)
• Computer and display to show standings
– Manually tracked in a simple spreadsheet or similar tool
– 5th Gear’s software does not track scores
• - or - Whiteboard to show standings
• Records of Red/Blue alliance members
– Where to find them if they earn a prize
– Announce (With Regional Director’s permission)
• Public final competition match
• Public announcement of winners
8
5th Gear Exhibit – Floor Plan options – 1/4
 18 Ft
Concourse Wall
Plasma
Plasma
Table
Table
Table
 8 Ft
Plasma
Table
= Computers, Etc.
= Exhibitor
= Next six Users/Players
= Simulation Users
= Audience in Concourse
= Large Plasma Panels
= 2.5’ x 5’ Tables
9
5th Gear Exhibit – Floor Plan options – 2/4
12 Ft
Concourse Wall
Table
12 Ft
Plasma
Table
Plasma
Plasma
Table
= Computers, Etc.
= Exhibitor
= Next six Users/Players
= Simulation Users
= Audience in Concourse
= Large Plasma Panels
= 2.5’ x 5’ Tables
10
5th Gear Exhibit – Floor Plan options – 3/4
12 Ft
Concourse Wall
Table
 10 Ft
Plasma
Table
Plasma
Plasma
Table
= Computers, Etc.
= Exhibitor
= Next six Users/Players
= Simulation Users
= Audience in Concourse
= Large Plasma Panels
= 2.5’ x 5’ Tables
11
5th Gear Exhibit – Floor Plan options – 4/4
10 Ft
Concourse Wall
Table
Plasma
18 Ft
Table
Plasma
Plasma
Table
= Computers, Etc.
= Exhibitor
= Next six Users/Players
= Simulation Users
= Audience in Concourse
= Large Plasma Panels
= 2.5’ x 5’ Tables
12