Tightening bolts, rewiring wires, and fixing code bugs: 5205 CHS Full Metal Jackets are ready for competition. Consumers Energy invited the Concord Middle and High School students to showcase their robots. Concord gladly accepted the invitation and on February 23, the Concord teams headed to Consumers Energy.
Once all the teams and booths were set up, Consumers Energy presented its annual speech. Afterward, CHS Full Metal Jackets went around to look at the booths that were set up. They could ask questions and get swag. They also saw other teams there as well. This allowed them to see what other teams thought about and what they took into consideration with the challenge. With this being some of the student’s first time in robotics, Dakota Hamilton who is in the pit crew, explains how she feels about robotics, “It is fun: it has always seemed like a cool class to me. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends that also take the class.”
At 12:20, they showed off their robot on live TV. They were asked many questions about the robot and the team. They decided to show how the robot moved and tell them what they hoped to accomplish by making
points. Student Issac Knash, the main builder, talks about what the biggest challenge and accomplishment was for building the robot, “Our biggest accomplishment was getting the robot intake and shooter attached. Pieces did not want to stay together and the chain did not want to go in the correct spot.”
Mentor and teacher Mr. Simmons, shares why robotics is important, “Robotics is the future, and that is where we are heading. We are looking to move forward with innovations and new creations. It is great for the imagination; no idea is a bad idea.”
At the end of the day, Consumers Energy handed out their Best Design Award for high school and middle school. Although Concord High School did not win, they were happy for the Concord Middle School girl team, Barbees 8656.
After a great day at Consumers, CHS Full Metal Jackets went back to work and fixed up any problems they might have noticed with the robot, and are getting ready for competition. Brayden Grindall, builder captain, shares what he wants to see him and his team accomplish, “As long as we can use the intake and shooter to score points that would be great. Also to at least make it to states this year.”
Student Maddox Hutchinson, programmer captain, also shares what he wants to see him and his team accomplish: “I at least hope we get to states and have 4 good autonomous that can score us points.”
Congratulations to 8656 Barbees and come cheer on the CHS robotics team at the Saturday competition.
