These past few days have been very busy! We have spent a LOT of time both in the shop and outside of the shop- always being productive girls! This weekend the girls focused a lot on the kicking prototype and eventually developed a mechanism which has been mounted onto the robot! We have also refined code and the robot's frame has been completely extended. We also spent our Monday at Norwood Fontbonne Academy mentoring their FLL team! We were able to teach them a lot about sensors and watched their presentation, giving them some helpful tips!
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We had such a busy day today! School ended at 1:30, so our girls ran downstairs (safely, of course :) to get started on the Eaglebot as soon as possible. The girls talked about the different drive trains available and the pros and cons to each one. With the original drive train, the programmers continued to work on getting the robot up and moving. The prototyping girls worked on the kicking mechanism and really advanced the kicker from the last time. They added more surgical tubing in order for the kicker to have more power when pulled back. The girls worked vigorously in the shop until about 4:30, then headed down to Wawa for dinner. After eating, girls headed over to Wyncote elementary school in the Cheltenham school district to show our robots at the school's STEM night. Alongside Simple Machines, 423, we showed our robots from Aerial Assist and Stronghold, letting the kids drive and play with the bots. They also had a chance to build cars out of Legos and race them! It was such a neat experience and everyone had such a great time!
It's been a while since we've updated you with our team life and boy do we have a lot going on!!! We are working on a robot for the Eaglebot challenge, which will be held on December 8th, as well as all our regular to-dos. Today we mainly focused on the Eaglebot challenge.
The Eaglebot challenge is a FIRST Robotics Showcase presented by NRG and The Philadelphia Eagles (fly eagles fly). We will be competing against 3 other team from our area in a couple of different challenges which you will hear about in our upcoming daily blogs. We have been working so hard and brainstorming like crazy, and now we are on to the technical part of the robot. Our girls all met in our shop today in order for us to divide and conquer as many of the tasks at hand as possible. Our build team worked on prototyping our kicking mechanism for the challenge which requires the robot to kick a football. They also widened the frame of our stronghold practice bot so that we could use it for Eaglebot, worked with motors in order to find the best way to position them on the robot with all the mechanisms we'll need for the challenge, and worked on speed controls for the motors. The speed controls are super cool because our girls can use a stand-alone mechanism to power the motors, making trial runs much easier (especially for our hard-working programmers!). The finance team met together and discussed the recent sponsor commitments and donations made to the team. The programming team was able to get the robot up and running while learning a few new skills along the way. The awards/outreach team prepared for our upcoming event, the Wyncote STEM night, brainstorming fun activities for the kids like balloon-powered lego car races! Our media team worked on the website, updating the blog and theme, as well as brainstormed ideas for our sponsorship video! Today was such a productive day and we can't wait to tell you about all our upcoming events, stay tuned! Today, we competed in Ramp Riot at Wissahickon High School. It was such an amazing, fun-filled day. We finished the qualifying matches in 7th place, and then became the 7th alliance captain. Team 365, MOE and team 1403, Cougar Robotics were also on our alliance, along with team 3961, the Redbirds. We made it all the way up to the semi finals, and even received the Judge's Award during the awards ceremony! We also had some special Firebirds alumnae come and visit us. Thank you to team 341, Miss Daisy, for hosting this wonderful competition, and making us all have a fantastic time in our last offseason competition for Stronghold!
We greeted campers in the morning, just like everyday. We started out by continuing the list of tasks to be programmed into the robots. Some of the ones completed today included...SENSORS!
The campers were so excited to finally use the sensors and their use of each one was impressive. One of the tasks to be completed using the touch sensor, for example, was to have the bot back up while the sensor is being pressed and stop as soon as it is released. My personal favorite (this is Annie here) was the ultrasonic sensor. As shown on our instagram, the kids were able to program the bots so that they will never run into anything when they used the ultrasonic sensors. We then ventured over the 5181's shop to check out their Stronghold robot and the shop they build and work in. It was really neat to be able to see someone else's (basically) home. On our way back from the shop (it's across their campus from where the camp is held) we got caught in torrential downpours and while some of us were making ponchos out of trash bags and umbrellas out of plastic tablecloths (really, robotics shops have everything!), others were embracing the rain and soaked up every last drop. Kate and I decided it would be a good idea to race each other across campus. That is until we ended up walking around the rest of the day in soppy shoes and socks. Then we found out the challenge for tomorrow: With a partner, have your bots pick up a marker and write out "LA SALLE". I'll leave you with that and update you tomorrow on how the challenge goes! (This is being written from the point of view of a Firebird)
Today started off bright and early at 9am, per usual. The camp we are doing this week is an Introduction to Lego Robotics with LaSalle Robotics 5181. The course is done through Lego Mindstorms and every day consists of different challenges and tasks that must be completed. We greeted the campers and got to pair up with a camper. Each of us got to work 1:1 with our partner and helped them with whatever they needed. Some of the tasks they were to complete individual included programming their robot to move in a figure eight motion, or having it play a song, but only while it’s moving. The kids have been having a blast getting to work on all of this and all of us are having a fabulous time helping them. The challenge today was to program a song and dance for their robots. Each of them were given 20 minutes and collaboration between themselves was allowed, but not with any of the high schoolers or mentors. While they all worked intensely on their routine, all of the high school ‘counselors’ got to just hang out and have a snack break. We all grabbed some paper, and the dance-off began. We rated each dance routine and the competitiveness boosted everyone’s interest in the challenge. After all the dances were done, we all got back with our partners to continue working through the list of tasks to be completed throughout the week. By the end of the day we all found out the winner of the competition and were told a hint at tomorrow’s. Can’t wait for another fabulous day with all of our friends! (Firebird girl here, not the robot)
Today we had the opportunity to walk drive our robot in the Whitemarsh 4th of July Parade! We took Firefly (robot from Aeriel Assist) and got to show off how cool robotics is! So many people were amazed and we had an absolute blast!!! We started the day by packing up all we needed and heading over to the parade. We sat in the back of the car and the robot got go wherever he pleased while parading. We decorated him in American flags and had a whole lot of fun handing out candy to kids and playing ball with Firefly. All the kids we saw were amazed and we even got a couple barks from the attending dogs. After strutting around town, Firefly was a bit tired so we settled down in the tent and showed everyone how the robot worked and gave kids the chance to have a hands-on experience with him. Not only was shooting and throwing the ball fun, but they were so interested in the technology behind it! We're so glad we were able to present STEM in such a fun and exciting way today! esterday I was lucky enough to have been able to go to WICT (Women in Cable Telecommunications) Tech it Out event with a few of the girls. We were able to experience some crazy Virtual Reality things such as the cave at Villanova and VR goggles. My favorite part, though, was showing off my skills to people who have never seen anyone like me.
We were able to see all our friends from Comcast and Arris as well as make a whole bunch of new friends. The girls and I introduced so many new people to FIRST and everyone was blown away by how much we learn and the fun we have. While the girls were showing me off, they were able to drive me like they never had before. I had so much fun and when I saw all the people passing by recording and taking pictures of me, I realized just how impressive I am and how lucky I am to be able to represent how much fun STEM can be. We got to listen to some talks on Virtual Reality and the girls even got to try some different heads sets on and bring their own Google Cardboards home with them. I didn't get to see the VR but watching the girls experience it for the first time was crazy! They were able to walk around the cave at Villanova and what the girls got to do was amazing! They had their own goggles on and could walk around the room they were virtually in and at times could even pick things in the room up and move them! Lastly, we got to listen to a panel called 'She Came, She STEMed, She Conquered'. I loved this so much because the girls got to hear from people to whom they could relate and got advice from people doing what what they want to do. The girls on and running the panel were so great to listen to and really gave the girls some good insight. ~ Lumos Where do I begin? This week has been more than I could have ever imagined. I'm so beyond thankful that I was able to spend it with my team and all of my new FIRST friends. Traveling in the crate was really crazy. I just sat there with all of the tools for what felt like a really long time. While I was there, I dreamed about what the World Championship would be like. Meanwhile, the girls were back at home getting ready. They made a ton of buttons and bows, packed their suitcases, had meetings, and prepared themselves. They gradually got more and more excited for the big adventure. Bright and early Wednesday morning, a small group of mentors and girls went to the airport to meet me in Saint Louis. Only a few of my team members would be allowed in the pit on Wednesday, so this small group needed to do all of the set up, registration, and preparation on their own. They checked in, went through security, ate some breakfast, and waited at the gate. They were so excited to find out that they were on the same flight as our friends from MOE 365 and Miss Daisy 341! Around this same time, the rest of the girls were arriving at school. They had to go to their first 3 classes before they could leave for their flight with the rest of the mentors and parents. As soon as the first group landed, they headed over to the hotel. They relaxed in the lobby for a while and got lunch until it was time to go to the dome. Meanwhile, the rest of the girls were arriving at the airport and checking in. While they waited near the gate, they had a lot of fun talking about how thrilling the week would be. At the dome, the girls and mentors started by checking in. Everyone received name badges! Even better, FIRST Mid Atlantic gave all of our team members and mentors ribbons for the badges! When the girls walked into the pit area, they saw my crate immediately! Our pit was located right by the pit entrance! They immediately opened up the crate and unloaded everything. When I saw them, I was so happy! I looked around and saw so many pits and robots. This place was crazy! Immediately, they hung up the lights and banner, organized the tools, and got me ready. By this point, I was pretty used to how the first day routine goes so I wasn't worried. They did some quick work on my bumpers and got me inspected. They even chatted with a few teams! Then, it was time to head back to the hotel and pick up the second group of girls and mentors. A few people went out to dinner while the rest of the girls got settled in their rooms. Everyone got to bed early because they knew that it was going to be a long and thrilling week. Thursday morning, the girls woke up, got ready, ate breakfast, and loaded up in the team vans early so they could be ready when the competition day began. When the rest of the girls saw the dome for the first time, they were amazed. They walked straight to the pit to see me. From there, some girls went to the stands to cheer during the matches. Other girls took me to the field to get connected. The walk to the field was much longer than at district competitions. We walked past all of the pits, which was nice because it gave me the chance to see other team and robots. There were teams from EVERYWHERE! Everyone was so nice, and it was such a positive atmosphere! The girls loved getting to meet them all. To get into the queue, the drivers had to show their badges and go into the dome. We travelled through many tunnels and paths until finally, we got to Tesla field where I would be playing. Right after that, I had my first match. I was a bit nervous. Even though I've driven in plenty of matches before, this time was different. The room was huge. So many people were watching. My team placed me on the field and I got ready. I crossed the rock wall I auto, and it was a great way to start my day. At the end of the match, the girls picked me up and brought me back to the pit. I had 4 more matches that day, and they all were very fun! I got to interact with some really cool robots. I played defense, scaled, shot boulders, and crossed defenses. I tried some new strategies that I hadn't tried before. During lunch, the girls walked over to the Innovation Faire and College Row. The younger girls had the opportunity to talk to various universities that they might want to attend. Everyone was able to check out some super cool companies and organizations. Some girls even rode an Air Force simulator! The girls also went to the practice field a few times to practice autonomous. Believe it or not, some of the girls actually met Dean Kamen! After a long day of matches, the girls headed back to the hotel to get ready for Roboprom! It is a dance that one of the teams hosts, and the girls were really looking forward to it. They all put on their dresses and got ready. Before the dance, they ate Chinese food together for dinner. Then, they took pictures together. Because the seniors were missing their prom to be on the trip, the younger girls made them duct tape flower bouquets. At Roboprom, the girls had a lot of fun singing and dancing. At the end of the night, they were exhausted. They went to the hotel and went to bed, excited for the next day. Friday was a great day! The girls headed out nice and early, ready for another day of matches and fun. Every match, the girls were determined to go out there and do the best they could. They played strong defense when they needed to. They shot a ton of boulders. They consistently scaled. They worked well with their alliance partners. Another group of girls met Woodie Flowers that day! The girls also got to meet one of my robot friends - Paquito from Panteras 2283. He is an outreach robot, and he is so fun! The Panteras even gave our team a small stuffed pantera as a gift! We have talked to them so much on social media, so meeting them in person was amazing! During lunch, the girls had a long break. After they are, they went back to the pit and relaxed. Some girls rested. Others played Mario Kart with our friends from the team next to our pit, Simple Machines 423. In one of the matches, all of the seniors were on the drive team together. Hannah and Eliza are always on drive team, but Joanie got to join them as the second driver. I had so much fun being on the field with her! Finally, the time came for me to drive in what would be my final match of the season. It was a sad time, but it was also a celebration of all that my team accomplished this season. The girls went to the field and had the best match of their entire season. It was a great way to go out. I did everything I could possibly do in one match - had a successful autonomous program, played defense, crossed defenses, scored, and scaled. We won, and we had a blast doing it! It was so thrilling! Afterwards, I was reweighed by the inspectors. Then, the team went back to the hotel to clean up. They did some team bonding before they went out to dinner. During bonding, the seniors showed their appreciation for the other girls and everything that they have done for them. At dinner, the team celebrated Eliza's birthday with cake! It was a really fun night full of pasta, jokes, and team stories. Saturday was the final day of competition. The girls sent Hannah and Eliza to the field first thing for awards and alliance selections. It was really fun to cheer on all of the amazing teams who won awards! Seeing which teams were selected for alliances was also really interesting. All of the alliances were careful to choose robots who would compliment their own skills. My team was not selected, but it was ok. They had a lot of fun anyway! They went to pack up the pit, including me. I went in the crate and got comfortable for my long trip home. The girls had fun with the mentors (one even rode around on the cart!), danced in the stands, cheered on other robots, and talked to some of their FIRST friends! Then, the team went bowling with their friends from Cyber-Crusaders 272 and Simple Machines 423. That was a really fun adventure! They ate lunch there, too. After they were finished, they walked back to the dome to watch the Einstein matches. Those were amazing! The robots all worked together and accomplished some really cool tasks. The girls cheered really loudly from the stands Will.i.am was even there! Let's just say what happens in Saint Louis, stays in Saint Louis (#tsimfd). Once the winner was declared, things got crazy. Giant white balls with lights were bouncing all around the stands. The finale party was about to begin. Dean, Woodie, and many other friends of FIRST gave speeches. After that, the party could begin! Stikyard played drums and got the evening started! They had drums on bicycles, huge drums, and bucket drums. Then, the Jesse White Tumblers performed! They jumped, flipped, cartwheeled, and did many amazing tricks! Finally, Eclipse danced behind a screen to create art with their shadows. Their performance was stunning. The girls were ready to go back to the hotel after that. There, they packed up and went to bed in the hotel for the final time. Sunday morning, the girls and mentors left in groups for their various flights. Everyone was bummed that the trip was over. It was such an amazing way to end the season. Luckily for me, once I get out of this crate, I will not have to sit in that bag anymore! I'm sure my team and I will have many more adventures before the end of the school year. As always, you will be able to see what we are up to here on the blog and on all of the team's social media sites. On behalf of the team, I would like to thank all of you for following me on my journey. When I first came into existence back in January, I had no idea where this season would take me. Little did I know, I would be at the World Championship. This has been the best season a robot could ever ask for. XOXO Forever, Lumos P.S. I have attached the team's daily vlog entries from Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday below. The competition round up video is coming soon! Now, this is a story all about how
My life got flipped-turned upside down And I'd like to take a minute Just sit right there I'll tell you how I became the bot of a team called Firebirds In the Firebird shop built and raised On the table was where I spent most of my days Chillin' out buildin' codin' all cool And all shooting some boulders after school When a couple of bots who were ranked up on top Started earning spots to the Championship I got a spot off the list and my team said yes They said 'You're movin’ to the Champs in Saint Louis' I cheered and planned with them day after day And they packed my tool case and sent me on my way They gave me a kiss and then they gave me my ticket. I got in my crate and said, 'I might as well kick it’. FedEx, yo this is cool Sitting in my crate with boxes of tools. Is this what the people of STL living like? Hmm this might be alright. But wait I hear they're scaling, scoring, all that Is this the type of place that they just send this cool cat? I don't think so I'll see when I get there I hope they're prepared for the bot of the ‘birds Well, the crate landed and when I came out There was a girl who looked like a friend standing there with my name out I ain't trying to get inspected yet I just got here I sprang with the quickness like lightning, drove away I whistled for my team and when they came near The cart said 433 and it had a handle to steer If anything I could say that this cart was sweet And I thought ‘Let’s get on it' - 'Yo, home to my pit’ I pulled up to the pit about 7 or 8 And I yelled to the mentors 'Yo team see ya later' I looked at my kingdom I was finally there To sit on my throne as the bot of ‘birds XOXO Lumos P.S. These are the types of things I come up with when I am stuck in a crate all day. Can't wait until I get to Saint Louis! |