23 Mar March Madness and Mechanical Mayhem
Competition is in the air and on the hard wood all across the nation, as the NCAA National Tournament continues. Many upsets and nail-biters have come down to the wire, leaving fans emotionally exhilarated or exhausted. There are zero perfect brackets left.
What you may not have known, though, is that it’s “tournament time” for national robotics as well.In early March in Haymarket, VA, the regional semi-finals competition was held at Battlefield High School. Our Minnesota-based Axiom-sponsored and -mentored team competed and gave a strong performance, qualifying for the finals.
As mentors and sponsors, it is gratifying to watch these young men and women struggle from their first adventure with power tools to machining sophisticated precision parts on an end mill.
They are becoming good project managers, learning how to apply their skills from construction to programming, while learning team and leadership skills.
The students performing the programming and electronics have matured to be able to move into a more sophisticated industrial project without missing a beat. Computer skills are being honed to make the robot operate autonomously with precision and reliability rivaling industrial robotics.
The keys to success this season are versatility, experienced team members and commitment: three characteristics essential in the job market.
We support FIRST because it is a great venue for technology and innovation for student and mentor alike. Every one of these “roboteers” is going to college, most with scholarships and, after a few years, many will be welcoming us on LinkedIn, providing that extra sense of accomplishment for our commitment to their futures.
Our Virginia Cavalier Robotics Team competes in the next round of competition again on March 25-26 at Meadow Event Park Center in Doswell, VA.
If you have any questions about FIRST, go to www.firstinspires.org or feel free to contact rbeachy@axiomcom.com.
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