Robotics Team Makes Semifinals in Regional Competition [IMAGE GALLERY]

rookie FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics team competed at "Beantown Blitz" at Northeastern University's Matthews Arena on June 2.

The Beantown Blitz challenged teams to a “Rebound Rumble.” In the challenge, robots (in teams of three) have to pick up and shoot an 8 inch diameter foam basketball into baskets at three different heights. The Westborough team, known also as Team 4048 or Redshift, placed 20th of 37 teams in the competition. The group was then allied with the fifth place team, moving into the semi-final round before being eliminated.

During the competition season, students have six weeks to design, construct, program, test, debug and deliver the robot to the regional competition of their choice. The process teaches both individual and team interaction at all levels to bring a challenge from concept to reality.

FIRST is an organization that challenges and develops students in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) by building robots for specific challenges. Each year's challenge is different and students and their mentors work within time, budget and materials constraints to complete the project. There are over 4000 FIRST teams, representing more than 40 countries.

Westborough High School students interested in participating on the team for the 2012-13 academic year are asked to contact team mentor Louis Lung at llung@team4048.org. To learn more about FIRST, visit www.usfirst.org. The team website can be found at www.team4048.org.

Information courtesy of Louis Lung and Team 4048 at Westborough High School.

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