Paired up against teams with several years of experience, the second-year Oxford RoboCats made a strong impression at the F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Great Lakes Regional competition in Ypsilanti March 27-29.
Although they placed 14th out of 63 teams, the RoboCats? results were ‘incredible? and ‘a significant improvement over last year.?
With 6 wins and 2 losses during their matches, Oxford tied for 3rd in their seed.
The competition involved playing a game called Overdrive on a large track divided by a fence into a red and blue side. The fence was crossed by an overpass holding large, blue balls, marking the team lines where two three-team alliances raced around counterclockwise.
Scores were based on the robots grabbing and passing of the balls over the finish lines.
Even though the competition was tough, senior Adam Heskitt said none of the other teams? robots could produce Oxford’s ‘signature move.?
‘It was when we knocked the balls down (off the racks) and (caught) them ourselves,? he said.
Because of this the team won the Robot Creativity Design Award for their unique and innovative design.
Senior Matt Deighton served as the scouting captain for the team and said he had a blast ‘spying? on the other teams.
‘There are two ‘pits? where the teams set up and they can do all their work,? he said. ‘I would go around before the match and figure out what team could do what and find out if they’d compliment you well for an alliance.?
After Oxford’s performance, some of the other more established teams were seeking the RoboCats out to be a part of their alliance.
‘We made a name for ourselves this year,? Heskitt said.
Although the robotics team’s competitive season is over, they’re always looking for new recruits and frequently work on projects year-round.
For more information about joining the Oxford RoboCats, contact Dante and Nancy Zuccaro at Dnzuke@aol.com.