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[jamesb]

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If Warwick is anything like the university I went to (wont say which as I dont want to get sued, and yes, these petty minded backstabbers probably would if they saw this.... not bitter) the course is a mechanical engineering course that some bright spark has called robot wars becuase they have related it to building a robot. If they are anything like NEW.... (oops, almost put an I at the end of that and told you which uni,) they have no experience in the robot building, no specialist knowledge, and no previous building to rely on. centre of excellence eh?

I really hope Warwick is different, because the thought of having universities producing graduates that have a degree in whatever when not one person in the uni has the slightest idea what they are doing is really something that grates on me.

For example, the cr4p place I went had a motorsports degree, and it turned out that the only person within 1/2 mile of the uni with any motorsport experience whatsoever, was me. Not good.

Anyhoo, if Warwick has any foundation in robots, I applaude their efforts to bring it to the students, and I look forward to seeing their robots.

Cheers
James

[blazerbotics]

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I have the same problem james :sad: im doing a course, animatronics, that is at least 70% pratical. yet i seem to spend all of my week learning how to programme computers.

Colleges do tend to allow more pratical based courses then unis.

BTW im at bradford uni, i dont care if i drag their name through the mud!

[jamesb]

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Im currently taking my uni to court so I have to be careful (oh yeah look, nobody would guess who Im refering to)

It just upsets me, mainly because I had some very good friends in uni who had come all the way from Baharain, and this was their one shot at getting a british degree. They were told this degree would mean they would know enough about motorsport to make a career running race teams, and they have gone back to Baharain with no idea how to cornerweight a car, let alone run a team.

Im not saying all unis do this, but its a subject I am very disturbed by, as we will have a nation of people with degree in things they know nothing about.
I knew a guy on the mechnical engineering course that told me he didnt know what an M6 thread was, after 4 years doing a degree in mechanical engineering. sad really

[s8nsmum]

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I agree completely, the degree im studying for now (mechanical engineering) is almost totally theorhetical. Because of health and safety we are not allowed to go near a welder or any other equiptment that a future employer will assume we know how to use. Over 50% of the graduates from my course will come out knowing how to design the best turbofan or compressor on the planet but not a clue how to put it together. These people will be out in the real world building bridges and cars when I wouldnt trust them to open a can of beans that was already open, i expect a few major catastrophies in about 5 - 10 years.
Joseph Townsend

[babeth]

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What you guys have been writing the past days has only reinforced my opinion (or rather prejudice) about people with university degrees: I never trust one to do something practical. Being a university graduate myself (been collecting a few degrees) has only made it worse and makes no difference. But, a big BUT... when one takes the trouble to learn things by hands-on practice then he/she will do a great job. I learned the hard way and I know a lot of people who didnt (I am talking about my fellow students here, and students I knew when still on the university, not targeting anyone on this forum) thus making them frightfully stupid when it comes to handywork.

My favorite writer is Terry Pratchett and in his Discworld-novel Reaper Man he wrote the following gem that perfectly describes my sentiments:
(The Dean and the Senior Wrangler of Unseen University talking shop.)
What is this thing, anyway?
Its called a shovel. Ive seen the gardeners use them. You stick the sharp end in the ground. Then it gets a bit technical.

Sorry if I insulted anyones feelings but it is just the way I see some people. You see, at university I was taught that no matter what we studied we were the top of society and the superiors of all mankind anyway and this simply by having been at university. But after graduating and having done several jobs I realised that there is only one human group thats really superior and that is the mechanics. They make our society work and I mean that literally.

Uhmm... we are way off topic now arent we ?

[fluppet]

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Far off topic. Let me try to loop the thread of conversation back the way it came from.

This hands-on experience is the reason Id love someone to do a practical talk for interested parties at a roboteering event. The number of people not already too experienced (at least in their own opinions :-) ), but still interested might be small - it would bore most kiddies witless - but I doubt Im the only person hovering on the threshold of starting to build.

I own and have read several books on building combat robots, but Id learn a lot by having someone do a Q&A session, and actually allow me to look at the innards of existing robots close up - ask questions. I could start building and learn from my mistakes, but - call me lazy - Id rather learn from everyone elses mistakes. Another current thread is discussing how newbies havent picked up state-of-the-art technology (wheelchair motors, etc.) - if anyone has time to share to go over things for those not already in the pits, I, for one, would be very grateful. All the roboteers of whom Ive asked questions have been very helpful in the past, but Im sure it would avoid *some* of the questions coming up quite so often if someone arranged a master class.

And then I might be able to wire up an LED decently. :-)

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Fluppet

[Guest]

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James, no, theres some very good unis out there, however, I can confirm the University of Lincoln aka University of Lincolnshire and Humberside is just as bad as yours and Alans. Also beware their franchise courses at various universitys and colleges around the country.

[ukrobotics]

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Ive just come back from an open day at the University of Reading. I hope to go there in September to study Cybernetics. From what I have seen today the course is brilliant. They have a whole building & department for Cybernetics, (unlike other Unis Ive looked at which only include cybernetics or robotics as a module within an AI, computer science or engineering course) and for the 3rd year project you can make pretty much anything you like, and make use of all the engineering workshops and CNC machines if you want to.


Dominic

http://www.ukrobotics.comhttp://www.ukrobotics.com

[fwsorg]

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Reading is THE place for Cybernetics, especially with Dr. Kevin Warick running the show there at the moment. If I was more into the computer science side of things I would definatelly try and gain a place there (or MIT, of course :-). You should have a truly great time there Dom

[babeth]

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Can we hope that in future live events special pit passes-with-guided-tour will be given to people who have indicated an interest in building their own robot ? It is the best way to educate them ! (Maybe some organisers have already done a similar thing, I dont know.)

[fluppet]

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Babeth: I suspect that, even as someone whod queue for a long time for such a pit pass, Id have to advise against it. Im sure health and safety would be a nightmare, and it would make life a misery for the active roboteers (would *you* leave your robot alone with an enthusiastic member of the public without knowing how much they know about self preservation - let alone damage to the robot?)

If one or two roboteers would be willing to give a talk, do some Qs&As, and let people get up close enough to their robot to peer at the details - in return for being plied with beer and food, for example - I suspect it would be less hassle. The pits during intermissions at Debenham were hectic even with the public kept behind a barrier - an accident *would* happen, even with only a few keen people wandering around - and I dont think its fair to be wandering around while someone wants to be making repairs. Besides, theres probably not enough room for people to crowd round and get at the machines properly.

Every roboteer Ive spoken to has been very helpful and friendly - but forcing myself upon *everyone* seems a bit much to ask. Chatting with fellow enthusiasts ought to be an enjoyable experience, but too much hassle will make it tedious, and Id rather roboteers had all the enthusiasm they can muster to put into these events. Doesnt mean it wouldnt be nice to talk to more than those couple of roboteers willing to talk/do a presentation, but I dont want to force people into it.

But perhaps Im being too sensitive on other peoples behalf? (Mind you, Im the one trying to get someone to volunteer to do a semi-formal talk...)

If someone *does* do anything special for the more building-prone enthusiast, though, please make a noise on this forum so I know to make an effort to turn up!

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Fluppet

[typhoon_driver]

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there were families walking around the pits at series 7 with one of the crew. Im not sure how they got permission etc but they were there.

[Guest]

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Was it the family that came in the stretch limo dont know who it was though

[roger_plant]

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At my Robot Bash at Yeovil (see events thread) we make a point of letting the public see the robots in the pits.
At pre-arranged times, we take a break from fighting, make all the robots safe and invite the public in to see them.
This year we will have a long shop counter arrangement with the de-activated robots on it, the roboteers behind the counter and the public allowed in front of it.
All the roboteers who want to show off their robots and let the fans ask questions can do so.

Those that dont can keep their robots behind the counter where the public have no access.

We will have a Yeovil show website soon so you can find out which robots will be there.

So come along and look into the robots innards and chat to the builders.

WBC, Bigger Brother, and my new robot Cheese Burger will be there, others to be announced when they are confirmed as coming along.

[revolutionroger]

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I met two families in the pits in S7, one was a father and son who had attempted to compete,, but failed tech checks, (son upset), and were given tour around etc. The other (limo) I believe was by special arrangement, the boy in question either won a competition or was unwell in some respect - cannot remember. I spent several minutes with both guys quite happily though did have the free time, at the time. I cannot think of any time I wouldnt spare a few minutes, but then a few+a few+a few etc....