Hillcrest HS Robotics Team Builds to Success

Hillcrest science teacher Mirko Polyak led the Hillcrest High School Robotics team this year to develop an understanding of science and engineering. The team designed, built, and operated several robotic projects throughout the year culminating in a trip to the SouthWorks Robotics and Engineering Competition on April 14. The team did a great job preparing for and participating at the competition and even took 1st Place with their “sBrick Racer" driven by Bryan Ingram. The rack and pinion steering system was constructed with LEGO compatible gears. The servo-motor was controlled by microwave signals and sent by an app on a student’s cell phone. The Autonomous Racer which is powered by the energy stored in 4 large springs and utilizes tracks instead of wheels was designed to run a straight course littered with obstacles without using electricity. The "VEX Clawbot," driven by Alonzo Arostegui, also did well, making it into the 2nd round before being edged out by H-F. The VEX Clawbot, designed and constructed by the team, had four separate motors that provided motion. The two that drive the wheels allow forward and backward motion with no loss of speed while operating them independently allows for 0-point turns. The other two motors raise the arm and open/close the claw for grasping and lifting objects. Alonzo said of the competition, “Attending the 2018 Southworks Robotics Olympics was an incredibly fun and enlightening experience for me. It was very interesting seeing so many other school’s creations for the various events, as well as watching them perform. Despite failing my competition, I still exited the event filled with joy and determination to try again next year.” The Hacky-Sack Catapult which is powered by two heavy duty extension springs did well during testing, but failed during competition, releasing the projectile at the wrong time thereby wasting the bulk of the stored energy. Still, the team tied for 6th place in a field of 11 teams. According to Mr. Polyak, “Failure, in the engineering sense of the word, simply means that some component did not perform as it was designed to. We can still feel good about what we built.” While Bryan and Alonzo got to drive during the contest, all of the team members participated in the designing, testing, modifying and retesting process which began last October. Congratulations to all who helped build these fine machines! Participants included: Bryan Ingram, Cameron Richardson, Alonzo Arostegui, Lillian Phillips and Ludana Jean-Charles. For more information concerning the Robotics Team, please contact Mr. Polyak mpolyak@bhsd228.com.