My robot is better than yours. No mine is better. But mine can move more prototype satellites up a ribbon!
That may be the friendly argument in July, when all age groups will meet in a highly-anticipated robotics competition at the 2013 White Center Jubilee Days in Washington State. The competition will be held on July 21 during the community celebration.
The event will be centered on the Space Elevator Competition. Organized by the High Tekerz Robotics Program, the competition requires participants to design and build a robotic elevator which can carry cargo (prototype satellites) up a 20-foot ribbon autonomously.
The event is open to all age groups and diverse designs are welcome. There are some basic rules.
The robots will simulate what it’s like to carry satellites into orbit. The robots will be self-powered.
The autonomous robots will have five minutes to carry as many of these satellites as they can up a ribbon, leaving them at the top, according to event regulations.
The High Tekerz are middle school- and high school-age students who enjoy technology. The age groups are: up to eighth grade, high school age, and adult teams. They are affiliated with FIRST.
Nationally, FIRST Robotics Competitions are held for students in grades nine to 12; FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) for grades seven to 12; FIRST LEGO League (FLL) for grades four to eight; and Junior FIRST LEGO League (Jr.FLL) for grades K-3.
When it comes to the high school age FIRST Robotics Competition, it is called a “varsity Sport for the Mind” which “combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology.”
“It’s as close to ‘real world’ engineering as a student can get,” the organization said. “Professional Mentors volunteer their time and talents to guide each team.”
The umbrella national group was founded by Segway creator Dean Kane to promote science and math in American schools.
