Robots conquer the Field House in Regional Championships

Robots took to the Wildcat Field House in February as students from across New York State competed in regional robotics championships as part of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) on SUNY Poly’s Utica campus.

“It was a huge success,” said K-12 STEM Outreach and FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Coordinator Tina Betz said.

The international FIRST organization helps to develop critical science and engineering skills in young people through engagement in exciting mentor-based robotics programs. Spanning two days, the event brought together the top teams in FIRST LEGO League (FLL) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) divisions.

On Saturday, February 11, ​24 FIRST LEGO League (​FLL​)​ teams, made up of students in grades 4-8, hailing from 13 different counties in NYS competed in the “Animal Allies” challenge. Using the LEGO Mindstorms system, the robots have been designed and programmed by the students to complete specific animal-related missions on a themed challenge board. The students also presented a research project where they attempt to solve real-world problems, which may occur when people and animals interact.

The winning team, made up of all girls was Peace by Piece 3146 from Clinton, NY. The members of Peace by Piece will advance to compete in the FIRST Robotics World Championships in St. Louis, MO in April. Representing FIRST at SUNY Poly, the team will join more than 20,000 other students competing on all levels of FIRST youth robotics.

On Sunday, February 12, 24 FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams made up of students from grades 7-12, gathered from across New York State to compete in the “Velocity Vortex” challenge. With their custom designed, built, programmed, remote controlled and autonomous 18” metal robots, students attempted to place various sized balls into several goals, including a center goal on the 12’x12’ competition field. The teams developed their strategy and then built robots based on engineering principles and document the process.

The JavaScouts 9984 team from New Hartford, NY was among the teams that have been chosen to advance to the Eastern US Super-Regional Tournament in Scranton, PA where they will for the first time compete against 72 teams from across the Eastern United States.

The team Geared Up 6347 from Rome, NY won the Inspire Award, which is the highest honor given at a tournament and recognizes the ultimate role model team.

“All the teams had very positive feedback for FIRST at SUNY Poly about how beneficial and fun the Championship weekend was for them,” says Betz. “These tournaments cannot be run without the incredibly dedicated 60-80 volunteers per day, which make these events possible. These enthusiastic volunteers represent all segments of the rich, local technological fabric of the greater Utica area including technical and engineering professionals, educators, and SUNY Poly students.”

Students learning from the FIRST robotics program come away with a greater appreciation of science and technology and how it can be utilized to positively impact the world around them. Teams gain valuable life skills such as brainstorming, creative problem solving, collaboration, teamwork, planning, time management, leadership, and a myriad of impressive technical skills.

“Everyone present at these youth robotics tournaments are evidence of the very important brain trust pipeline these tournaments attract and nurture for our local region and it’s future,” Betz said. “Ultimately FIRST Robotics at SUNY Poly is a necessary, long-term partner for local and NY State universities and companies seeking enthusiastic, skilled and motivated engineering and technical students and employees. Studies have found that 90% of FIRST robotics participants plan to attend college and over 75% are involved in a STEM field as a student or professional.”

The FIRST Robotics Weekend Championship events were the culmination of three qualifiers in both FLL and FTC robotics programs held in December and January through New York State and facilitated by SUNY Poly as a FIRST partner.

For more information on FIRST, please visit: sunypoly.edu/stemoutreach