PHS Robotics Keeps Newest Member Under Wraps Until Regional Competition

The Robotics Club has welcomed its newest member to Team Spyder 1622: a 55-inch tall robot affectionately named For Sale.

They’ll be putting its skills to the test this weekend as they battle in the San Diego FIRST Robotics Regional.

“The students have spent many hours over the last 6 weeks fabricating and programming a robot and it is now fully operational,” said Rodger Dohm, the team’s coach.

Dohm says the robot cost $8,500 and was completed early last week, leaving an entire day for the team to “test code” on it.

“That is an amazing feat by its self, knowing that we had some challenges and were two to three weeks behind in fabrication,” he said. “But many stepped forward, dedicating time and money to make this happen.”

Just don’t expect to get any sneak peeks at the mean machine. Team Spyder is keeping it safely under wraps―literally―until show time.

“If everybody knows what your robot does, they can use that against you,” said Dohm, calling this year’s competition “very competitive.”

The event will be held at Valley View Casino Center and is free to the public. It runs from March 2 to 4 starting at 9 a.m. each day.

Dohm says Friday is ideal for those hoping to interact with the students, while Sunday will be “the most exciting,” with finals closing out the day.

“I am very proud of our team, both students and adults supporting,” said Dohm. “The robot is truly amazing and the team is extremely proud of their accomplishments.”