LHS enter first Robotics event-Thief River Falls, Northern Watch

Students built with the help of Digi-Key mentors, a robot that is entered in a competition in Minneapolis at the end of March.

The Lincoln High School first Robotics team prepares for the North Star regional League in the Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis, March 31 through April 2. This is the second year Lincoln High School first Robotics students have participated.
The first Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors is a common problem in a period of six weeks using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules to solve. Teams build robots from the parts and enter into a series of matches.

Not many people consider the industrial arts as a team effort, but first Robotics forces industrial arts students to work with students who have other skills, particularly students with computer skills. At Lincoln High School, three teachers assisted with the project, and there were six mentors of Digi-Key, and 12 to 13 students.
Digi-Key is instrumental in the whole program. Not only has its employees assisted students as mentors, but the company donated $ 12,000 for the first Robotics program at Lincoln High School, which students with a unique challenge.
Matt McGlynn, industrial arts instructor and program counselor at Lincoln High School, explained that there are a lot of real-world applications include computer programming, editing, welding, electronics, woodworking, strategy and even accounting.
McGlynn said the period of six weeks also a challenge. Initially the group meet after school from 4 to 10 hours, but during the final days of the period of six weeks, they worked on the robot from 4 pm to midnight.
The team placed in their first year, well above expectations for a first year team. McGlynn and the students they have a shot at doing even better this year, but winning is not everything ... or even desirable.
FIRST redefines winning for these students. Teams are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity and ability to overcome obstacles. Most scoring points is a secondary goal. Win means that last build partnerships.
The absolute last day pupils and mentors were allowed to work on the robot, the Lincoln High School team was testing the robot and making final adjustments. Completed, the robot is capable of large inflated plastic objects and placing those objects hooks on a wall. The robot also wears a miniature robot, which kind of looks like a bug. The mini robot is implemented by a mechanical arm, and when correctly, traps placed on a pole. The mini robot then climbs to the top of a pole and slides down.
Students have enjoyed working on the project. Travis Mork said there was a lot to overcome, including the 120-pound weight limit, and it requires a lot of planning.
Ryker Anderson, another student, said he enjoyed working with the other students and mentors.
A video of the robot in action can be viewed online at www.trftimes.com.

Related Articles