Psycho would first capture and then encircle the puck with two "arms," managing to keep most competitors away. kevan Melrose would be proud, though, as Psycho's inability to forecheck caused it to meet its Waterloo against The Gymbol. Advancing to the finals with a 3-0 record, Psycho fell short against The Gymbol, which used its speed to get to the puck first and control it for the full 60 seconds of both final matches.

Some robots chose to try and win by twirling aimlessly in circles, oblivious to the puck and everything around it, but seeming to have fun nevertheless. Lego-zilla was one of those that took this popular strategy.

Alternative Learning

RoboPuck is the culmination of a one-month mini-course at MIT, which is held between terms. The class's goal is "to provide an alternative approach to learning advanced technological ideas," according to course co coordinator Fred Martin.

"The course aims to draw upon the best aspects of the hacker ethic, the ideas that people learn most effectively when they are having fun and building things that they care about."

Twenty-seven different student groups participated in the project, which was sponsored by Microsoft Corp., Motorola, Inc., Lego Systems, Inc., and Polaroid Corp.

"It's a complement to traditional MIT courses, which focus more on theoretical ideas," Martin says.

Mardi Gras

But the magic of RoboPuck was all in the atmosphere created by the organizers, Martin and MIT junior Pankaj Oberoi. These guys really tried.

With a concession stand in one corner, an organ leading the crowd in cheers in another corner and two rinks which gave the air of the Roman Coliseum, these guys were serious.

But there was one thing missing. It just wasn't the same without a Zamboni machine.

And the crowd was rowdy. A chorus of boos lambasted the competitors when none moved from their starting spots in one round. Where else could you hear, "Check the camera. Check the camera. The autofocus is emitting infrared light and confusing the sensors."

And the response from Martin: "The sensors only respond to infrared light at 40 megahertz."

Where else could someone yell out, "Anybody got some Superglue?" and have someone pull a tube out of his front pocket as if it were a dollar bill, "Sure."

And what other arena would have periodic charts hanging on both sides, instead of championship banners? There's no NCAA championship banner hanging above the rink here, but a model of DNA.

Yes, RoboPuck was far more than the Beanpot. Much more than just a preview of Hockey Fest '90. It's something everyone must experience once--just once.

I'll never forget it. Especially Psycho.