FIRST Robotics Competition on an Aircraft Carrier

Imagine robots battling it out not in a typical arena but on the flight deck of a historic aircraft carrier. This year’s Sunset Showdown brought this vision to life, captivating the FIRST community near and far. Held from July 19-21, 2024, the event took place on the USS Hornet, a historic aircraft carrier renowned for its pivotal role in World War II and space exploration recovery missions. The event was presented by FIRST California and Team 5924 – Golden Gate Robotics.

A Spectacular Beginning

The event, set against the stunning backdrop of the USS Hornet and the city skyline, brought together 40 teams from California, Colorado, Michigan, Florida, and New Jersey to compete in an adapted version of the 2024 FRC game. We were also fortunate to have volunteers from across North America, including Indiana, Southern California, Canada, New York, South Carolina, Montana, Michigan, Florida, Colorado, and, of course, NorCal. The outdoor setting presented new challenges for the teams, adding a fresh and exciting dimension to the FIRST off-season calendar.

The USS Hornet Experience

Hosting a robotics competition on an aircraft carrier brought its own set of unique challenges and opportunities. Outdoor conditions required adaptations to the rules and strategies, but teams rose to the occasion.

Adaptations: Rule modifications accounted for wind and lighting conditions, ensuring a smooth competition. Organizers took proactive steps to mitigate normal wind levels, allowing teams to focus on their robots’ performance.

Some participants wondered if the aircraft carrier’s movement would affect gyro sensors, while others were concerned about camera functionality under varying lighting conditions.

Teams had to adapt their designs for the unique outdoor setting. This included reinforcing structures to withstand wind and optimizing sensors to cope with fluctuating lighting.

Some teams developed custom shielding for their sensors, while others used software algorithms to compensate for environmental variations.

Logistics:  There was a ramp, scissor lift, 30-ton aircraft elevator from the 1950s, and the crane that was used to pull the Apollo 11 & 12 capsules out of the ocean involved in getting the field just from the container to the deck.

The Sunset Showdown pushed teams to think outside the box, leading to new innovations in robotics design and strategy.

A Positive Reception

Overall participants seemed thrilled with the environment. 

Some fun feedback:

 “Playing with robots on an aircraft carrier was a dream come true!” 

“I gotta say, it hasn’t even been a full day and this event is shaping up to be the most positive and fun environment of any competition I have ever been to.”

“Neither the sunset nor the Showdown disappoint.”

“Had an absolute blast! Shoutout to all the people that were behind event planning and 5924. This had to have been the best vibe of any event I’ve ever attended including Champs.”

“It was an absolutely amazing venue, well run, and great interactions with other teams.”

“I’ve only been affiliated with FRC for three years, but this event, by far, was the most fun.”

Mentor Matches raise $10,000

The mentor matches raised $10,000 for Alameda County Community Food Bank!

Reflecting on a Successful Event

The Sunset Showdown on the USS Hornet was a groundbreaking success. It brought together the FIRST community from California and beyond to compete in a truly unique environment, pushing the boundaries of innovation and community engagement. 

In the News – https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/07/21/photos-apollo-exhibit-aboard-the-uss-hornet-museum/ 

By combining the thrill of competition with an awe-inspiring venue, the Sunset Showdown has proven that the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning.