James, several places do courses in robotics; Im not sure Im aware of doing a course in *combat* robotics, which is a subtly different thing. From their comments and judging abilities, as seen from a TV spectators perspective, its not clear to me that the eminent academics on the RW judging panel know anything like as much as the competitors do (about combat robots - Im sure their expertise in the flocking behaviour of helium balloons is unparalleled). Of course, they may just not be putting their knowledge across very well. Er, this isnt supposed to be another attack - its not clear who else the judges could be - just an attempt to point out that even pertinent academic expertise probably wont go far. If anywhere *does* do a course in combat robotics, let me know!

Im sure a visit from any roboteer would be popular in a university. Especially if it was open to non-students of the university in question (Id go if Roger - or Arfur, or Rex, or... - gave a talk in London, for example). But Id travel a lot further to a talk at a robot combat event, aimed at people who know the basics and the obvious; pity team Plunderbird ran out of time when they started a technical talk at Debenham 2002. Long may all the experts keep posting to the forum.

Sorry, off-topic again. Ill go and buy some LEDs. :-)

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Fluppet