New LHS Robotics Team Competes in State Tournament

Members of the Lawrence High School (LHS) Robotics Team competed in the Science Olympiad New Jersey State Finals Tournament at Middlesex County College in mid-March.

The program is funded by a grant of approximately $31,000 that the school received last winter from the Lawrence Township Education Foundation (LTEF).

Students designed, constructed, and programed a robotic arm capable of lifting and moving various objects in a designed environment. After early glitches, LHS students were able to score points and place 15th out of 26 teams.

LHS students are able to test their ROBOTIC programs in a simulated environment using Virtual Worlds simulation software or in a physical environment using the testing area located in LHS Room 314.

Grant funds enabled LHS to bring Keith O'Hara, assistant professor of computer science at Bard College (Annandale-on-Hudson, NY) to LHS in February to address the robotics classes.

Professor O'Hara presented on his work at Bard College, developments in computer programing, and opportunities in the robotics field.