Fitch Aluminum Falcons Prepare for 2012 FIRST Robotics Challenge

Not sure yet if the 2012 robot season will be a slam dunk for the Aluminum Falcons, but one thing is certain, they will bring everything they have to the court.

The robotics team joined teams from the region including the New London STEM Whalers and the Ledyard High School CyberColonels at Dominion Millstone last Saturday to learn the theme and rules of this year’s FIRST Robotics Challenge.  

FIRST stands for First Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, created in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen “to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people,” one of its many programs is the Robotics Challenge, the competition for which the Fitch Aluminum Falcons are preparing.

Before around 60,000 students worldwide, Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush joined will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas for the FRC kickoff from New Hampshire via webcast and NASA-TV. This year’s game was announced: “Rebound Rumble.”

This is a robotics game where competing teams’ robots -- each 120-pounds -- try to sink as many of the basketballs in the hoops as possible during the 2-minute and 15-second match. The teams were shown the game playing field and received a ‘Kit of Parts’ made up of motors, batteries, a control system, a PC, and a mix of automation components – but no instructions.

Working with adult mentors, students have six weeks to design, build, program, and test their robots to meet the season’s engineering challenge. Once these young inventors create a robot, their teams participate in competitions that measure the effectiveness of each robot, the power of collaboration, and the determination of students, FRC’s media release explained.

A cool 3-minute animation video depicting the game was shared with the students. 

According to team coach, Fitch physics teacher Brian Chidley, the team “is inspired and confident.”

“Only one day after the announcement of the game, the members have come up with several concepts for a winning robot,” he said.

The Aluminum Falcons don’t only build robots; the team must raise money to support its efforts. And while it has “received significant grants and monetary sponsorship from local corporations including SAIC, Applied Physical Sciences Inc., Groton Utilities, Dominion Millstone, Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board, and JC Penney as well as machining and fabrication services from businesses including H.R. Hillery Co. and Race Rock Associates, the students have raised money at fundraisers like its successful Pancake Breakfast/Silent Auction.

Just as the team is preparing for the competition, CL&P has announced FIRST Robotics Competition team grants. According to a press release, "Partnering with FIRST combines the dedication and support of math and science education by CL&P and Yankee Gas Service Company, with their corporate focus on workforce development and education."

CL&P has sponsored Regional FIRST Robotics for nearly two decades with grant donations and engineering professionals who coach the teams. Winning teams will be eligible for grants ranging from $500-$1000. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 27 and winning teams will be notified by March 9.

There are 28 Aluminum Falcons, known as Padawans. Meet them on their Team 2168 website and read their stories.