The game is once again afoot for Auburn’s TREAD FIRST Robotics Team 3219.
Last Saturday the Auburn squad, along with representatives from other local robotics clubs, gathered at the Auburn Performing Arts Center to watch a simulcast detailing the parameters of the 20th annual FIRST Robotics Competition.
Founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen – an inventor best known for introducing the Segway to the world – FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) seeks to inspire youngsters to step up and become the engineers, scientists and technical workers and leaders of tomorrow, by introducing them to the skills necessary for those careers through friendly competition.
Teams of high school students worldwide team with adult mentors to build robots to compete in regional competitions, culminating in a championship tournament at St. Louis.
Regionally, the Auburn squad will compete at the Qwest Field Events Center beginning March 17-19.
Although much of the attention about FIRST focuses on the actual competition, which this year features a game called “Logomotion,” the real reward of the program is the process of planning and building, according to Kenny White, a drafting and fine arts instructor at Auburn High School who helps mentor the team.
“It fits in with the curriculum,” White said. “Anytime you can have real life items and have the kids get hands on experience with that, it just helps with real life learning.”
According to White, team mentors help with the product at least six days a week, from 3 to 5 p.m. on weekdays and for 8-10 hours on Saturdays.
The Auburn team is in the process of designing its robot. Next week, it will begin the actual construction and programming required. White said the team hopes to refine its robot during the fifth week and practice driving the machine in the sixth and final week.
Team leader Brandon Olsen, a sophomore, is excited to get started on the TREAD bot.
“It’s a lot more complex this year. I’m excited for the challenge,” he said.
For more information, visit www.usfirst.org.
