Robotics Season Kicks Off

Collegiate School’s robotics team gathered on campus this morning for the official start to the 2018 FIRST Robotics competition. Nearly 30 members of the team viewed a livestream broadcast of the unveiling of this year’s design plans and rules.
FIRST Robotics made the broadcast available to high school robotics teams across the nation to watch at 10:30 a.m. EST — to prepare for this season’s competition, themed Power Up. (FIRST is an acronym that means “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.”)

Collegiate’s team, TORCH 5804, will meet after school and on weekends to design and build their creation until midnight on Feb. 20, “Stop Build Day.” Regional competitions begin in March and lead up to the FIRST Robotics World Championship in April.

Last year, Collegiate’s team, coached by Daniel Bartels, STEAM coordinator for the Middle and Upper Schools, and Greg Sesny, Upper School physics teacher, reached the district finals. The current team, which began reading over the rules and discussing design plans immediately after they were announced, feels confident heading into this season.

“We have a very young team that will bring new ideas that will complement those of returning team members,” said senior Emily Mendelson.

She was encouraged by the turnout, especially the large number of girls present, and was excited to get started.

“It’s going to be a great season,” she said.

For more information about the 2018 FIRST Robotics competition, check out the blog.
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