UMEI teams place first and second at robotics competition

Two teams from UMEI Christian High School’s Enriched Robotics program competed at the FIRST Tech Challenge Windsor Qualifying event at St. Clair College on December 4.

Each year, a challenge is released to all teams in North America and teams are required to design, build and code a robot to meet the challenge.

This year’s challenge required robots to load pylons, placing them onto different levels of rods for points. Teams then meet at events and compete for the best score. UMEI’s team The Thunderbirds placed first after the qualifying rounds, and Radiant Robotics, also from UMEI, placed second. They were able to form an alliance for the semi-final and final rounds and won the competition, defeating teams from the Newmarket/Toronto district.

In addition, Radiant Robotics won the Connect Award and The Thunderbirds won the Design Award.

Both teams now advance to the provincials.

Lead builder Aidan Brown, from The Thunderbirds, commented, “We had some early hurdles to overcome with our sensors and the lighting in the venue, but we are used to working under pressure.”

Both teams are grateful for the many sponsors who supported them financially and with technical parts. Teacher and mentor John Fittler had this to say about their efforts: “I knew our students had built reliable robots and it was really good to bring some friendly Leamington competitiveness to the event.”

To see these robots in action, follow UMEI on Facebook or Instagram (@ umei_chs) or book a tour to see the newly unveiled Robotics Tech Zone. Visit umei.ca for more info.

The Thunderbirds — Ben Recker, Aidan Brown, Nathan Ribble, Cole Baptista.

Radiant Robotics — Ryan Friesen, Isabel Neufeld, Cody Konrad, Braedon Douglas, Mason Fittler. Photos submitted