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  • The MVTHS Robotics Club is building a robot to compete in regional competition at St. Louis. RoboRams working on assembly from left, are, Joshua Cortez, Darrius Davis and Charlie Kirkpatrick. ALLEN PARKER/REGISTER-NEWS

    robotics
February 4, 2012

RoboRams building competitive robot

BY ALLEN PARKER rorye.oconnor@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Mt. Vernon Township High School’s Robotics Club, the RoboRams, are gearing up for a competition of another sort.

The RoboRams are constructing a robot to compete at the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology Regional at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis.

“Having our kids involved in FIRST is not just about increasing educational opportunities in sciance and technology; but instilling well-rounded life capabilities such as self-confidence, communication and leadership,” Steve Odle, the team’s sponsor and MVTHS faculty member said.

The team received its kit Jan. 7 and has until midnight Feb. 21 to assemble their robot. At that point, the robot must be wrapped and sealed until presented to judges at the regional.

The team’s biggest sponsor is JC Penny. The department store sponsors teams nationally and granted RoboRams $6,500 for the kit. Besides the rookie kit, JC Penny will also supply t-shits with their team number.

The RoboRams are constructing a robot which will be a defender in a contest similar to basketball. Points are awarded to individual robots for baskets made and also for working together as a team within the different aspects of the competition.

“The kids are doing this on their own time,” Odle noted. “This is something that will help the science and technology of our country in the future. There are many scholarships available to students through this competition. Last year, the top 100 finishers all received offers from different universities.”

The 6-wheel drive defensive robot measures 23 inches wide by 37 inches long.

Its electronics will be mounted on a piece of plexiglass which will be covered and cooled with a fan.

“You wouldn’t want this robot running into you,” said MVTHS senior Kole Cralley.

Cralley has handled the electronics of the robot.

He said the goal is to be able to command the robot through an Xbox Kinect, allowing the driver to direct the robot through a series of signals.

“I like the programming and electronics side of it,” Cralley said. “The robot will use National Instruments Labview software. We picked up our kit and got right to building the robot.”

At this point, RoboRams have constructed the aluminum frame, installed the tires, electric motors and the chain drive system.

“It should be ready to drive by next week,” Cralley said.

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