Robots are no longer just the product of science fiction writers. They are everywhere around us, helping us work, build, move, and shoot Frisbees. Shoot Frisbees?
Visitors will be able to see a robot do just that when the Westerville Wild Warbots, a FIRST robotics team, host a showcase on Monday evening, April 22 at 7:00 p.m. at Westerville Central High School, which is located at 7118 Mt. Royal Avenue. Middle and high school students, parents, and community members are invited to come learn about more about the team and enjoy a chance to see the team’s robot in action and drive it as well.
The Wild Warbots are a team of 20 students from Westerville South, North, and Central high schools. Together with Coach Josh Branch and Mentor Mark Jackson, the students utilize 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 team and their robot competed earlier this year at the Buckeye Regional FIRST Robotics Competition held at Cleveland State University. For the contest, the students built and programmed a robot that could maneuver a playing field, shoot Frisbees into targets, and climb a metal pyramid.
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.
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.
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.