Westerville Wild Warbots team members explain their robot to a judge during the 2013 Buckeye Regional FIRST Robotic Competition held at Cleveland State University.
The Wild Warbots, Westerville’s high school robotics team, recently competed at the Buckeye Regional FIRST Robotics Competition held at Cleveland State University. For the competition, the students built and programmed a robot to complete the challenge that required it to maneuver a playing field, shoot Frisbees into targets, and climb a metal pyramid.
Twenty students from Westerville South, North, and Central high schools worked with Coach Josh Branch and mentor Mark Jackson at Westerville Central High School to learn and utilize a variety of skills. The students learned computer-aided design and programming as well as the workings of mechanical design, electrical systems, and building techniques. With these skills, the team members designed, built, and programmed their player-controlled robot over a six-week period.
The 120-pound collection of motors, drums, batteries, wiring, welded metal frame, and a computerized control system competed in this year’s challenge, titled “Ultimate Ascent.” In each round of the competition, the teams are grouped into alliances of three robots. The robots then score points by shooting Frisbees into goals of varying heights and then climbing to different levels of a metal pyramid.
Visitors will be able to see the robot in action when the Westerville Wild Warbots host a robotics showcase Monday, April 22, at 7:00 p.m. at Westerville Central High School. Middle and high school students, parents, and community members are invited to come learn about the team and celebrate the season. Visitors will have a chance to see the robot in action and drive it as well.
Along with math and science skills, the students also learn about business and management. To organize the team and its building efforts requires a great deal of project management skills. In addition, the Wild Warbots – who receive no school funds -- are funded largely by grants, sponsorships, and other fundraising efforts that are lead by the students as well. By applying for grants and soliciting local businesses, the team was able to raise more than $5,000 this year. These funds help purchase tools and materials for the robot as well as pay for entrance fees for the competition.
This year’s sponsors include JCPenney, the NASA Glenn Research Center Educational Programs Office, American Electric Power, Westerville Education Foundation, and the Bette Marschall Foundation.
The competition, held March 28-30, featured 53 teams from several Midwestern states as well as Canada. Thousands of other teams also competed at other regional events held across the U.S. and Canada. The FIRST championships will be held April 24-27 in St. Louis.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math. Its mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.