Robots Created By District 214 Students Prepare For Battle In Wheeling

WHEELING, IL — The robots are about to take over, at least for two days anyway. The 14th annual Robot Rumble competition, featuring creations from area high school students, including those in Township High School District 214, will be held Friday and Saturday at Wheeling High School.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. both days at 900 S. Elmhurst Road.

Michael Geist, engineering and manufacturing instructor at Wheeling High, tells Patch more than 350 students from 11 area schools will showcase nearly 50 robots over the two days.

"This event truly is a one-of-a-kind experience," said Geist, who serves as sponsor of the event as well as the High Mileage Vehicle Club. "As our district focuses on career pathways and college and career readiness experiences, this competition allows our students to put their skills to the test during an action packed event."

According to the district, the students come from engineering and manufacturing programs across the Northwest suburbs. Geist said the student have been working all year to design and manufacture the 100-pound robots for the competition, which is a double-elimination format.

"As robots become disabled and/or destroyed, students work in teams to solve mechanical and electrical problems and get their designs back in the competition," Geist said. "If you like watching metal and clashing together at high speeds and sparks flying in the air, then this is an event that you do not want to miss."

The event is open to the public on Saturday. Livestreams can be found in the links below:

• Friday's livestream: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkq_Yl...
• Saturday's livestream: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3jnbX...