Following up from my earlier post, here are a few photos from last weekend's FIRST Robotics Competition New York Regional at Jacob Javits Center in New York.
The basic idea of this year's game, "Logomotion", is to pick up inflatable game pieces and stack them on pegs such that they form the FIRST logo. Points are awarded for each piece with higher totals for higher pegs and a bonus if a complete logo is built. A final bonus is available if you manage to deploy a pole climbing "minibot" in the last 10 seconds of the game.
Team 359 from Hawaii complete the placement of one of the pieces to create a complete logo.
Team 263's robot moves in to place a piece on the board.
Each robot starts with a single "ubertube" which it must try to place on the board under autonomous control. After 15 seconds, human drivers step in and guide the robots for the rest of the game. Extra points are awarded if the robot manages to place the ubertube itself and if further game pieces are stacked on top of it.
Safety is a very important lesson taught through FIRST. Anyone in the pit area must wear safety glasses at all times and teams employ safety personnel to ensure that safe workshop practices are in use during the competition.
Team 395, 2 Train Robotics, were the NYC Champions and move on to the national championshop in St. Louis.
Team 759 traveled from Cambridge in the United Kingdom to take part.
Continuing the international theme, Team 1156 traveled from Brazil for the competition.
Team 272, the Cyber Crusaders did a great job with their uniform but Team 1279, Cold Fusion, out-shouted their supporters during matches.