It is not every day that a globally broadcast mission to build a robot equipped at powering up a steam ship is passed along to high schoolers and middle schoolers to complete.
But the 24 teams, representing various counties across southwest Michigan, including Berrien County and Cass County were more than up to the challenge, which kicked off the international FIRST Robotics competition Saturday at Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center in Benton Harbor.
The kickoff included unveiling the assignment, distributing robot kit equipment and giving competitors a chance to get a sneak peek of the game floor layout.
Over the next six weeks, teams will work to design and program an industrial sized robot compatible with this year’s steam works theme, which is based on a time when equipment was powered by steam. The robot itself is not necessarily steam-powered, but its task is essentially to help power up a theoretical steam ship. The playing field will consist of a ship, boiler and fuel pod holders. The robot must be built to gather and distribute fuel into the boiler and pick up and deliver missing gears to the ship. When these tasks are complete, the robot must be able to climb a rope and board the ship for takeoff. Teams will battle to have the most efficient robot that can complete the most tasks and earn the most points.
The competition season varies by region and takes place between October and April, with finalists competing in April.
Three of the 24 teams are from Niles, including Area 51, Ground Zero and Excel.
For students that gear up for the international competition, which is part of the organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, the reward is more than just building a sophisticated robot. On Saturday, students got to hear how their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math could change the world for the better.
Prior to the big reveal of this year’s challenge, a panelist of experts in the field including Fred Upton, U.S. Representative; Jeff Noel, Whirlpool Corporation and vice president of Communications and Public Affairs; Amber Layman, Kinexus, Sector Strategy Manager; Matt Tyler, Vickers Engineering president and Dr. Benjamin Stockton, Lakeland Medical Center answered questions from students about the field and the future of manufacturing jobs.
With Michigan paving the way for manufacturing job growth in the U.S., the demand for STEM careers is prevalent in the industry, Upton said.
“Jobs in technology are so important,” Upton said. “Just think how we can harness interest in high school and middle school students to create things that could save lives.”
As he looked around the auditorium, Upton said the creator of the next life-saving device could be among them. He encouraged students to follow their passion in STEM and be the future generation of modern technology.
FIRST competitors also have the shot at pursuing over $50 million in offered scholarships.
Robotics coach Wayne Borr, who is coaching Niles High School students on team Area 51, described the final competition as an event with the energy of a wrestling match. A crowd watches the game field, cheering on the robots in their mission.
Borr said that this competition is more than just building a robot. It also helps students learn a series of professional and social skills.
“It is so good for kids,” Borr said. “Helping those kids come out of their shell is some powerful stuff, because they have some great minds. They are learning to communicate with each other in a polite and professional manner. They learn how to shake hands and share their ideas.”
Additionally, he said students have to get comfortable giving presentations and therefore they gain confidence and pride in the work that they produce.
For Area 51 team member Tyler Kennedy, 16, a compelling aspect to FRC is looking at the challenge from all angles and using creativity to design their robot.
Another Niles team, Ground Zero, was already brainstorming for the challenge Saturday. The team is mentored by Meg and David Edwards, of Niles. This is their sixth year being involved in FIRST. The married couple also operates a nonprofit called Michiana Youth Robotics. The couple said they originally signed on to participate for their son Jason, who is now 25.
After seeing how much students enjoyed the program, they decided to continue mentoring, even after their son was grown.
This year, the Edwards are mentoring 13 teens who make up team Ground Zero.
Drew Jager, 17, of Stevensville, said the team name comes from the team’s aim to be at the center of things like a ground zero.
Fellow team member, Marc Hurt, 16, of Niles said he has been involved in any robotics program available for as long as he can remember, from LEGO club in middle school to today’s FIRST.
Hurt said what he most looked forward to in this year’s competition was working with his team mates.
“There is always so much pep and everyone is so excited,” Hurt said. “This year specifically, it looks like we are going to have a really nice team. It will be fun to build our team base and our camaraderie.”
For more information about the FRC competition visit www.firstinspires.org.