The Lincoln High School (LHS) FIRST Robotics team is planning to participate for the second time in the North Star Regional Competition in Minneapolis’ Mariucci Arena from March 31 to April 2.
Robotics LHS
This competition poses challenges to teams consisting of young people and their mentors for finding a solution within six weeks based on a common set of rules and from a standard kit of parts. The robots are built by the team using the parts and then they display them in the competition arena.
The FIRST Robotics compels the industrial arts students to work along with students who are skilled in computers. At LHS, the group of 12-13 students is assisted by three teachers along with six mentors from Digi-Key. The entire program was arranged by Digi-Key with its employees acting as mentors and the donation of $12,000 from the company for the FIRST Robotics Program.
The LHS Program Counselor and Industrial Arts Instructor Matt McGlynn has revealed that robotics could be used in a number of real world applications in machining, computer programming, wood working, electronics, welding, strategy and book keeping. The time allowed for preparation also posed a challenge to the team. McGlynn and his young team believe that they have a better chance the second time over, but they feel that winning alone was not the main criterion.
The teams score points for demonstrating team spirit, excellence in design, maturity, gracious professionalism and also the ability to go beyond obstacles. However, more than winning and scoring points, building lasting partnerships and team work mattered more.
On the final day before the competition, both the students and the mentors tested the robot to make final adjustments. The robot on completion should be capable of picking up large inflated plastic objects and placing them on hooks fixed to a wall. The robot would also carry a tiny robot resembling a bug, which is deployed by a mechanical arm. This when positioned accurately, clamps on to a pole. Thereafter, the mini robot climbs to the top of the pole and later slides down. The whole process of building the robot proved to be very enjoyable for the students.