Devil-Botz team designs soccer star robot
A soccer-loving robot is being designed by Burlington High School Devil-Botz Team to compete in the FIRST Regional Robotic Competition on March 26-27 at Boston University’s Agganis Arena.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded by inventor Dean Kamen, and is an annual competition that is free and open to the public. The competition encourages students to discover the rewards of science, engineering and technology linked with a variety of non-engineering roles that make the event possible.
The contest, called “Breakaway,” features robots that will kick or roll balls into a goal while navigating bumps in an 8- by 16-meter field. Two alliances of three teams will face off during each round of competition. The teams need to cooperate with some robots while bypassing or overcoming others. Bonus points are earned for each robot suspended in air and not touching the field at the end of the match.
In the 2007-2008 school year, Burlington won second place at the Boston University Vex Bridge Battle Competition.
Students participating in this year’s competition along with the help of adult volunteer mentors, who are experts in their field, parents and sponsors are energized and hopeful the soccer star robot will go on to win both regional and the national competitions. The 2010 championship will be held at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
Team Devil-Botz worked long hours after school, weekends and during the February school vacation. Within six weeks mastered the tasks of how to brainstorm, design, construct, program and test their robot before shipping to the competition venue.
In addition to safely working with power tools, FIRST is committed in creating better humans. Knowledge, competition and empathy are comfortably blended with respecting and treating all individuals with kindness. FIRST defines these important life skills as “Gracious Professionalism” and it is encouraged, emphasized and awarded with the Chairman’s Award.
Burlington’s academic team is sponsored by PTC, Mercury Computer Systems, Minuteman Controls and the Knights of Columbus. The team’s fundraising committee is seeking support in order to pay for parts, tools, registration fees, marketing materials and transportation. Local businesses and individuals are urged to help support with donations and in kind contributions of goods and services. For news of the team or to learn more how to donate, visit www.bhsrobotix.com.
For more information about FIRST competition, visit www.usfirst.org.
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