On the smooth green surface of the ground, a rectangular contraption, made of metal and wooden beams, scurries across the arena. Various wires cover the automated machine, connecting into electrical ports, sending data and information that help it operate. The robot first extends out an arm, clenching onto a small five-inch white whiffle ball. Slingshotting this arm forward, it...
With an the success of last year's team, the stakes could not be higher for the FRC robotics team this upcoming season. In order to be as successful as possible, the team rigorously prepares and plans because with a competition deadline quickly approaching, time is critical.
Midway through winter break, before they could begin building, the team went to Texas...
Think of a sport. What popped into your head? Football? Baseball? Basketball? Robotics? One of these might not seem like the other; yet, robotics requires just as much concentration, commitment, and preparation as the other sports.
Jesuit robotics students in particular have been working diligently and fine-tuning their machinery for their tournaments. With junior varsity competitions under way and varsity...
Wheels screech into the pit as the vehicle careens off the track after zooming through its last lap. The coach smoothly advises the driver as the pit crew huddles over the chassis. The pit boss hands a grunt a new replacement part as sounds of rivets crushing and drills turning dominate the background noise. As the last rivet popped,...
Tuesday, February 23, 2016 - "Bag Day"
Grover's Automated Journal System v2.6a
3:30pm
My friends and makers entered the workshop. Some reached for Rice Crispy Treats, some grabbed pretzels, some took a Cliff Bar, and some went straight to work. My wires are a little out of place. A few zip ties and I'll be alright.
4:30pm
My sight is a little blurry. My...
The sun beams onto the turf as whispers of excitement border the sidelines. These muffled sounds wrestle with the upbeat tunes pouring out of the loudspeakers onto the field. Aromas of pizza and popcorn waft into the playing area, intermingled with the faint odor of stress and perspiration from the coaches hovering over their players. Two teams line up...
There’s always that one present under the tree. You know the one. It’s got that special reflective sheen all the way around the rectangular box, and a wide red ribbon trimmed in gold foil. You eyeballed it the first day it magically appeared under the tree in your living room. When you get up in the morning and slink...
The robot, carried by its specially fabricated wheels, drives against the unrelenting mountain, struggling to climb. A T-shaped robotic arm swings down using gears to carefully lower it into position. The team manipulating its controls, the robot triggers switches on the side of the mountain to gain points. In the hectic last 30 seconds, the robot swiftly maneuvers its arm...
