Not really hard-core tech, but pretty cool. We've been involved for quite a few years. It's always a blast to watch the kids actually accomplish things like this.
Posted on 04/23/2014 5:52:06 AM PDT by ShadowAce
ST. LOUIS • They’ve trounced hundreds of robotics teams at regional and state competitions. And Thursday, about 12,000 students in safety goggles will convene at the Edward Jones Dome and America’s Center for the chance at world champion status.
It’s the fourth year in a row that U.S. FIRST — For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology — has held its top competition here, drawing competitors from 38 countries.
The matches will be timed and intense. The crowds thick. The stands loud.
Through it, thousands of students will demonstrate their knowledge of programming, and electrical and mechanical engineering.
For self-proclaimed geeks, it’s a little like March Madness.
“It’s an awesome experience,” said Alex Roberds, a senior at Eureka High School and member of Oddly Charged Particles, an independent team bound for the Dome. “We’re just excited to have this one last shot. You’re always playing with the best teams, and it’s great to meet people from all over the world.”
The team is among thousands across the country that compete in FIRST robotics. Students must design, program and build remote-controlled robots from a kit of metal rods, gears, cogs and other widgets including motors and computer chips. Teams have six weeks to build their robots using those parts, plus whatever else they choose to buy within their budget.
This year, larger robots on fields half the size of basketball courts will battle it out by maneuvering exercise balls into goal areas. Smaller robots will compete by putting as many blocks as possible into plastic crates on top of pendulums.
Children ages as young as 6 compete in a LEGO League, which involves designing robots to do address weather-related problems.
“They are so excited,” said Ann Kelly, the coach at Bishop DuBourg High School, which has a team of 13 competing at the championships for a second time.
(Excerpt) Read more at stltoday.com ...
Not really hard-core tech, but pretty cool. We've been involved for quite a few years. It's always a blast to watch the kids actually accomplish things like this.
Kids can do amazing things these days.
In terms of actual accomplishment, that movie isn’t far off.
Me too. I coach a team. We’re in our third year. Qualified for World’s the last two but missed it this year. My wife understood when I missed my 25th and 26th wedding anniversaries to St. Louis to play with robots. It’s amazing to see 20,000 kids getting excited about robots throwing balls around.
It’s also amazing to see the opportunities these young kids have to learn, try, fail and try again.
My son scored about $50K in scholarships too, mostly because of his FIRST Robotics experience.
Bump
Is there a way to play iPhone games on a PC??
Have you seen this? It’s not posted yet but it’s a great one...
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