Despite Theft of Robot, Local Team Will Compete for World Title

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Image: RoboLoCo

A team of students from Loudoun County is working to overcome a big setback in preparing for a world robotics championship in St. Louis. And they’ve received a huge outpouring of support from the community.

Fellow students, local companies and community groups have come together to help RoboLoco, a group of 10 students from the Academy of Science, the Monroe Technology Center and Loudoun County High School, according to the Washington Post. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine even met with Roboloco to voice his support.

The team made it to the world finals by advancing in a regional competition last weekend in Knoxville, Tenn. But before RoboLoCo could celebrate, they discoverd that thieves had stolen the SUV that contained their hand-built robot, WUSA-TV Channel 9 reported.

Also stolen were a school computer, the trophies won in the regional competition, and more than $5,000 worth of tools and equipment, the Post reported.

Insurance will cover the SUV, but RoboLoco needed a new robot. The competition’s sponsor is allowing the team to enter a practice robot, which the team is working around the clock to modify for the world competition on April 22.

Orbital ATK, the local aerospace company, has paid the $5,000 entry fee to the competition, the Post reported. The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce has contributed $1,000, and the Loudoun Education Foundation is leading its own fundraising effort.

RoboLoCo has thanked the community for its help on their website. To find out morfe about the team and how you can help, click here.