On the surface, the game seems easy enough. It’s like basketball, so you have to get the ball in the hoop to score points.
But there’s much more to this game. For starters, this version of basketball will use robots built and programmed by high school students competing in FIRST robotics.
FIRST is the “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology” organization, a group that introduces students to professional engineers and mentors to promote science and technology as career possibilities. High school students enter competitions that require them to design, build and program robots to complete certain tasks.
This year, Lockport and Newfane High Schools are preparing for another season of robot competition. And in 2012, the task is the robots they’ve created will have to make as many baskets as possible in a 2- minute-15-second match. There are multiple baskets set up in a diamond pattern.
The FIRST students only have about six weeks from when they find out what the year’s task will be to when their robot will have to be complete. That’s not a lot of time for the amount of work needed to get done.
Colin Stutz, 17, a senior at Lockport, said the team breaks off into groups with specific jobs. Discussion starts on exactly what they want the robot to do and how.
“We figure out how we’re going to do it, what needs to be done, develop good strategies,” Stutz said.
“So most of our first week is brainstorming and prototyp- ing,” said Mercedes Handley, 16, a Lockport junior.
Local News
Related Photos
-
The Lockport High School Warlocks’ robot attempts a shot from the free throw line. The Warlocks will compete next month in Rochester. Joe Olenick/STAFF
-
The Newfane High School Circuit Stompers stand with their robot. The team will compete next month in Rochester. Joe Olenick/STAFF
February 20, 2012
Full court 'bots
- Local News
-
-
Car show opens with crowd
Lockport's Monday Night Car Cruise kicked off a week late but with much fanfare Monday night.
- Annual poppy sale begins Thursday
- Aldi store reopening Friday
- City man pleads guilty to federal drug charges Eric Williams was trying to flush evidence as agents broke down door in 2010 raid.
- Shooting victim expected to survive, no witnesses yet
- Residents head to polls Tuesday
-
Scientist makes waves in Lake Ontario
- Funds for state parks projects released Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Friday the release of $90 million in NY Works funding to advance nearly 90 construction projects to upgrade and repair more than 50 state parks and historic sites across New York, including Niagara Falls State Park.
-
Man shot in city
An adult male was shot on South Transit Street early Monday morning.
- Bryer plays final game in Wilson's 2-1 sectional loss to JFK
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raw: Widespread Destruction in Moore, Okla.
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
Raw: Japan's WWII Atrocities Under Fire in Seoul
Voters Could Elect LA's First Female Mayor
Raw: Rescuers Pull Tornado Survivors to Safety
Oklahoma Gov: 'Hearts Are Broken' After Tornado
Raw: Walking in a Flattened Okla. Neighborhood
Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School
Raw: Witness Describes Scene After Okla. Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma
Raw: House Burns After Massive Oklahoma Tornado
Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma
Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead
White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media
Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq
Pug Life on Display at Wisconsin Festival
Company Promises to Make All Snail Mail Digital
Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings
