Feb 28 2011
Sprockets, the robotics team representing Diamond Bar High School in the FIRST robotic competition, have developed a robot for the competition. Over 6 weeks, the team received several sponsors and raised $19,000.
This included $6,500 from JCPenney for registration, $5,500 from the Brahma and Walnut Valley Educational Foundations, $5,000 from Raytheon and $2,000 from the school district. At the end of 6 weeks, a dangling inflatable ring was placed by the robots arms on to a plastic arm.
Sproket members test their robot
Brandon Sim was stuck with the idea when he came to know of the international robotics competition. After a detailed discussion with Lynn Wan, his computer science teacher, the Sprockets were created along with a team of 17 members. The members soon brainstormed to construct a robotic marvel to compete against 2000 teams, including the team from West Covina High, sponsored by BAE systems and Cal Poly Pomona; and Arcadia High, which sponsored by both Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA.
All the work was divided within the members. While some tested the minibots, others worked on the metal chassis. The greatest challenge that the team faced was the robotic arm required to hang the inflatable tubes. Designed to conquer the feat, designers Asad Akbany and Ian Pan were sure that the vital machinery would work without a hitch at the regional contest on 24th March held at Long Beach arena. The 17-member team is gearing up to make it to the national competition at the end of April at St. Louis.