Royal Oak Robotics Team Projects Ready to Roll and Shoot

A team of Royal Oak High School students gathered Wednesday evening around a laptop set up in a hallway at Royal Oak High School, watching closely as the robot they created made its way across the floor. 

The Oaktown Crewz and Robo Ravens robotics teams put the finishing touches on their entries in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics district competition, held March 8-9 at Waterford Mott High School. Team members represent Royal Oak and Lamphere high schools. 

This year's challenge, "Ultimate Ascent", requires students to build a robot that moves across a field with two large pyramids at opposite ends. The robot is loaded with flying discs that the robot must toss at targets to earn points. The robot may also climb rungs on one of the pyramids to earn extra points. 

"Our robot should do very well this year," said coach Chris Mounts. "We expect to qualify for state for the first time in many years."

For more information about Michigan FIRST Robotics and the upcoming events, visit firstinmichigan.org.