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Robotics team builds automated robots
rom designing the prototype during build season to competing in competitions from October to March, the robotics team, the Bionic Tigers, was busy all year long. The team had to design, build and program the robot to accomplish a variety of tasks. In October, the team won first place at an off-season competition,
“I was excited to see what our opponents designs would look like." - Ben Perry (10) Robo, held at FIT. Build season started in the first week of January and lasted for six weeks. “During the beginning of the year is normally when we do out-reach and fund-raising for the team,” said Josh Rain (11). Competitions were held at the beginning of March. At the competitions the robots were required to complete a maze of hurdles and tricks with time restrictions. “The game this year was called 'ultimate ascent'. We had to shoot Frisbees into a small goal and then climb a pyramid, lifting our 120 pound robot more than 5 feet off the ground. Each match only lasted 2 minutes and 15 seconds,” said Josh. The robots that made it through the maze in one piece, then moved on to finals.
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Cutting Edge To complete the construction of the robot, Brandon Boyd (9) works on the lathe machining parts, which makes parts for the gatherer and the wheel drive. "It's a machine that spins the part you are working on so you can shave or cut it wherever," said Brandon. photo courtesy K. Rain
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Reaching Out Working on the lathe machining parts, Josh Rain (11) helps Brandon Boyd (9) use the machine at the same time. "It's fun being able to teach friends what I have learned and help them learn more about what they are doing," said Josh. photo courtesy K. Rain
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Sparks fly In the process of designing the robot, Michael Ferrara (8) learns how to cut metal from his mentor during a Robotics meeting. "It stung a little, but it was pretty exciting seeing the sparks fly," said Michael. photo courtesy K. Rain