FIRST
Chief Delphi
IFI, Inc.
NEMO
AndyMark
FIRSTcast
Blue Alliance
SOAP
2006 - 2007 Competition Season
The Second Time Around...
With a whole season under their belts, the NERDS set out once again to conquer the competition in Arizona, California, and Atlanta, Georgia. This time, however, the team competed in a plethora of challenges, including the FIRST Robotics Competition, the FIRST Vex Challenge, and the National Underwater Robotics Challenge (hosted by mentoring team FRC 842, Carl Hayden). By entering in multiple games, the team increased their robot-building expertise 3-fold.
The team started off the season with the FIRST Vex Challenge (FVC), later named the FIRST Tech Challenge. This competition took advantage of the vEx Robotics Design System, a small, versitile kit of erector-like robotics parts used to create an infinite number of possible robots. The competition this year challenged students to build a robot that could a) pick up 1lb standard size softballs and score them in low side goals or high 2' tall goals, and b) hang from a central bar for extra end-game bonus points. Two teams spawned from the NERDS: teams 3494 and 3495. Both teams entered the Phoenix, AZ regional hosted by Carl Hayden High School, and one team, 3495, ended the day winners of the AZ FVC competition. By becoming the regional alliance winners and Inspire award winners, the team was eligible to attend the Championship competition held in Atlanta, GA.
As soon as the FVC regional was over, the team prepared for the upcoming FIRST Robotics Competition game. With a year of experience, the team knew well enough what to do and what not to do. This time around, the team organized efficiently into sub-groups, working in parts to create a greater whole that would fit the game more than adequately. When competition time rolled around, the team was well prepared and performed well up to their own expectations. This year's game, "Rack'n'Roll", involved acquiring inflatable inner tubes known as "ringers" and scoring them on a central structure known as the "rack." Teams could build robot ramps for alliance partners for end-game bonus points. The team focused on trying to build a simple, efficient, and effective robot that could do almost anything. By designing and strategizing early in the season and by working together to create a modular and versitile robot, the team did well in their competitions, placing finalists in Arizona and quarter-finalists in Sacramento, CA. Although they didn't manage to make it to Championships, the team did learn a lot on robot building and team-building techniques.
Competitions and Events
UC Davis/Sacramento, CA Regional
Atlanta, GA Championship Event
