Task Bot build

Today we began building our Task Bots based on the instructions in the Robotics Engineering Program from Carnegie Melon Robotics Academy.

Instructions for the day:

1. Find a partner to work with.

2. Identify your computer

3. Open Robotics Engineering program

4. Click on Basics link

5. Click on Building Instructions

6. Click on Taskbot - This will open a new window with building instructions.

7. Label your kit with on both ends and the top with your class period and partner(s) names.

8. At the end of the period, return your kit and computer to the closet. Put any parts or robots that are complete in the cabinet in the shop.

Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hampi/396694435/

Day 5, Continue Research

Today, we continued researching the regional sites. We had difficulty with the wireless connection to the network. I wired some of the computers using a hub. Some of the students repaired the connection while some of the students went to the Commons to be closer to the wireless hub.
I informed the girls in the classes of the potential connection to UT and NASA. The girls seemed very excited about the potential.

Day 3, August 29 - Beginning Brainstorming

We finished watching the Discovery Video First Robotics 2005 Championship in Houston. After the video was over we discussed themes, robot names, colors and uniforms. This was a basic exercise in brainstorming.

I received several emails today concerning the class and the competition. Kevin Sevcik from Houston sent me a list of robotics materials to start with along with a competition for us to have.

One of my students had a contact with ARM here in Austin. Mr. Morris emailed me wanting to visit more with me about the program. I also called Solidworks about the reveal/celebration of their new release next Wednesday. Tim and I will be going to the event. I visited with Brad Crabtree from Solidworks about our program and the possibility of sponsorship and/mentors.

I also received an email from Cheryl Miller, a contact of Ray Almgren's. She forwarded my contact information to the Robotics and Automation Society. They helped Anderson last year in their first year of operation.

All in all, a very productive day for the Robotics program.

Tomorrow is the day!

School starts tomorrow. The classroom is all setup and as ready to go as it can be.

Today, I received a call from the First Robotics Regional Director from Houston. We visited for over an hour on the phone. She was a wealth of information. All three of her sons participated in FRC when they were in High School, in fact they are all still involved with the program. Robotics mom instead of soccer mom. I will need to find some Computer Moms and Dads here in Westlake.
She put my mind more at ease about the competition in the Spring. The contest will be the 4th weekend of March at the Merrill Center in Katy, Texas. We can also attend more than one regional but they must be two weeks apart so we can get the Robot returned and then shipped to the next event.

The most important piece of information I received was about the building of the Robot. If we do not finish before the ship date, go ahead and ship the Robot. Teams will help make final touches to the Robot at the Regional competition. First Robotics is truly about making the entire program better. One example is what they called gracious professionalism.

Dr. Woodie Flowers, FIRST National Advisor and Pappalardo Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, coined the term "Gracious Professionalism."

Gracious Professionalism is part of the ethos of FIRST. It's a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.

With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions. Gracious professionals learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process. They avoid treating anyone like losers. No chest thumping tough talk, but no sticky-sweet platitudes either. Knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended.

In the long run, Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing one has acted with integrity and sensitivity.

Teams compete at a high level but not at the expense of their fellow competitors or community. John Sperry from Anderson High School has already demonstrated this aspect in his willingness to volunteer his knowledge and offer his input as well as advice about his program.

We need to order some VEX kits and begin to work with them in the class. The VEX controller will be used in the FTC as well as the FRC.

First year teams can qualify for the National Competition in two ways: qualifying for nationals by winning the regional or winning Rookie of the Year as Anderson High School did this past year. You can also apply to go to the National Championships by applying. Applicants are chosen on a Tier system. We would be in Tier 1 since this is our first year to compete. Of course, you would still have to pay the entry fee.

She advised looking at Team Delphi website for resources. They have an unbelievable program.