FIRST Robotics Competition Team 5413, Stellar Robotics, attended the World Championship event in St. Louis April 22-25. The team finished 11th on their field of 76 teams and earned the Highest Rookie Seed award for the third time in three events. Out of the 607 teams at the entire competition, the performance statistics for the team were in the top 100.
Students and mentors alike were elated at the team’s performance, citing improvements to the top gripper mechanism and the tote guidance system at the bottom of the robot as part of what helped the team to increase their scoring power. “Making improvements to the robot throughout the season is a huge part of the learning process for students,” said Programming Mentor Randy Allen. “We also performed consistently on the field. That was a big goal for us, and the drive team did a fantastic job.” Additionally, the robot functioned well mechanically, experiencing very few technical difficulties during the course of the competition.
The team has much to look forward to, as the Ohio state championship event will be held May 30 at Thurgood Marshall High School, 4447 Hoover Avenue, Dayton. This is an off-season event, which is why it takes places after the world championships.
The team also has many other activities on their calendar, including visits to area schools, presentations for sponsors, and programs for younger students during the summer reading program at the library.
And more robot building, of course. With one season of activity under their belt, the team has plans in place for improving and expanding their skills over the summer and fall. New students are invited and encouraged to join in. The team is open to all high school students in Richland and the surrounding counties. The team meets at The Kehoe Center in Shelby and their calendar of events can be found at www.firstroboticsmansfield.com.
One other point of interest is the development of robotics programs for elementary and junior high students. “When we introduced this program last year, we had a huge show of interest from the junior high age level,” said DeYoe. “It is our goal to establish a program for those students, and we are seeking people who are interested in helping to make that happen.” She went on to say that the team has begun working with individuals interested in starting an elementary program.
An FRC team is not an inexpensive endeavor, and Stellar Robotics is grateful to all the companies, organizations, and individuals who have supported the team during this critical first year. North Central State College and ArcelorMittal are two of the team’s largest supporters. “Without our sponsors, we would not exist,” DeYoe admits. “We are so pleased to have so many businesses on board with us, and we hope to establish ongoing relationships with each and every one.” For a full listing of the team’s sponsors, please visit www.firstroboticsmansfield.com.
