Do you know what’s impressive? The fact that the work, once reserved for high tech scientists and engineers, is now being done by talented high school students! These high schoolers are finally being given opportunities to make wonderful creations. Dr. Frank J. Hayden high school is one of the many schools that are providing these opportunities for their students. They are doing it by participating in the First Robotics Steamworks competition this year. The high school has composed a team of 35 rookies from grades 9-12 and 14 of the members are girls!
The Hayden Robotics team is also divided into sub-teams: design, electrical, mechanical, business and marketing. Additionally, They have their mentors to help them with anything they need. However, all the work is done by the amazing students!
So…What Are They Doing?
As a little background, the Steamworks game, which the team is participating in, is the scenario for this year’s competition. What it involves is robots, steam machines, and airships. The goal is to get as many points as possible from scoring balls inside the steam machines and from securing gear on the airships with the help of their robots. What the Hayden Robotics team has collectively decided to focus on is the gear aspect of the game as that is what they think will guarantee them points. We wish them the best of luck!
How is it Being Done?
The students have been working on developing a pneumatic system for the robot, how cool is that?! Their programming team has downloaded a vision system and they have been working with the electrical team to design a button to swap a robot front and back. Every team has been working hard to ensure that the robot’s ability to mount the gears is as efficient as can be!
Julie and Saron, the students in charge of the business and marketing team, sent over a few photos displaying their progress as the weeks went on:
In addition to being hard working students that are building robots, the Hayden Robotics team is also working with their community library and elementary schools! For their library, they are trying to ensure better and more access to technology for their elders. For their elementary to schools, they are helping with designing coding programs for interested students! The Hayden Robotics are a wonderful combination of smart, community involved and environmentally conscious students!
It is for these reasons that we, at UPS Battery Center are delighted to be working with them!
You can check back on our website for more updates coming soon!