If there was one word to describe the atmosphere at the FIRST Robotics Regional Competition at Eastern Michigan University this past weekend it would be ‘crazy,? according to team leader Amy Micheals.
When the Oxford Robocats team got their robot out of the crate it didn’t work, which caused them to miss their first practice.
Then, during the second practice, the robot wouldn’t move. ‘Our motor wasn’t working and something malfunctioned with the transmission,? she said.
To top it off, when the team finally made it to the competition field, the robot began smoking due to a wire that had short-circuited.
‘We thought we were just done,? Micheals said.
But, the team went on to earn points in their alliances with two other teams and was able to win the Rookie All-Star Award, as well as peer-voted awards, like the Hottest Rookie Award and the Gracious Professionalism Award. All of the team members went home with a participation medal for their hard work.
Best of all, the Robocats secured a spot at the FIRST Robotics National Competition next month in Atlanta, Georgia.
During the long fiasco with their malfunctioning robot, Micheals said the kids seemed a little ‘down in the dumps,? and encouraged them to have the mindset that their robot was the ‘best one ever made.?
‘Even when our robot was smokin? we were out there going ‘let’s go Oxford, let’s go!? she said.
Micheals said the judges at the competition said they were very impressed with how well the students presentation was, their enthusiasm and that they articulated their project very well. ‘When we should’ve been down in the dumps dying, we were doing the best that we could,? she said.
Before the Robocats can attend the national competition at the Georgia Dome April 11- 14, they need to secure $5,000 for their entry fee.
Unfortunately, Micheals said the team has exhausted grant money and resources the state had given them, and will need desperately to get sponsorship from local businesses or individuals.
The team will also need between $10,000-15,000 for transportation and lodging for the 22 students and their chaperones for the event.
‘We do have the chance of winning the Rookie All- Star Award at the championship,? Micheals said. ‘We have to do it because we’ve come so far.?
To sponsor the Robocats, contact Micheals at (248) 736-7056.