Alpha+ team shows how to train a robot
Photo by TANNA YEOUMANS The robotics team demonstrated how the robot was capable of getting itself on the platform with guidance.
Photos by TANNA YEOUMANS FIRST Team 2130 Alpha+ demonstrates how its robot could pick up and dispense a ball into the rocket during a public presentation on Saturday.
Photo by TANNA YEOUMANS Some minor technical difficulties set the presentation back shortly, but brought the team the applause of the audience when the problem was resolved.
BONNERS FERRY — FIRST Team 2130 Alpha+ will be attending the Idaho Regional competition in Nampa, Idaho, March 27-31, where the team will be competing against other teams from California, Illinois, Arizona, Washington, Florida, Idaho, and Mexico.
The team invited family, friends, and community members to its workspace at Boundary County Middle School on March 23 to demonstrate their robot and the obstacles to the unique game. This year, the theme is centered around Mars rovers, making the obstacle course for the robot about moving cargo of different types from the “landing pad” to the “rocket,” and completing with “docking” onto a lifted platform.
The robot needed to have the ability to lift the ball cargo and transport it to the rocket, move a flat, round piece of plastic and attach it to the outer portion of the rocket, and lift itself upon the platforms. Each ball, plastic piece, and platform bring in respective points for the team.
If the Badger team wins, it has the opportunity to attend a worldwide competition in Houston, Texas.
During the presentation the team members came forward, introduced themselves and stated what their jobs were, such as operators, builders, or programmers, with some of the students having multiple jobs.
Following their introductions, the team demonstrated the robot, explained the game, and answered a variety of questions from the audience.
Their placement at the Idaho regional competition will be announced.