They say to do what makes your heart beat faster.
I’m not sure who “they” are, but if you ask most of the participants of Urban Search & Rescue, THEY would definitely agree.
Twenty-two states (plus Puerto Rico!), eight middle school teams, 22 high school teams, and five postsecondary teams attended SkillsUSA® nationals in Louisville, KY, June 25-29, all doing what makes their hearts beat faster – robotics and competition.
At this national competition, teams drive their robots through a course using a robot they have (hopefully) engineered with a solid chassis and arm mechanism to locate, grab, and move simulated ordnances on the challenge course. One member remotely operates using a wireless camera system mounted on the robot at the simulated command center.
Teams are judged and scored on a variety of criteria – robot design, the team’s engineering notebook, oral presentation, a written exam, and performance on the challenge course.
“I’ve never felt my heart beat out of my chest like that before,” said Team 122 after completing the course.
“Stressful.”
“Nerve-racking.”
“Intense.”
These were just a few words that described their experience.
“It teaches how to be calm in chaos,” Brody Pinson of middle school Team 801 said.
What a necessary skill to have in these fast-paced times! Not only do students gain valuable life skills such as this, but team members also experience teamwork, collaboration, and, of course, problem-solving in addition to preparation for employment in fields related to and including robotics, engineering, automation, manufacturing, electronics, and emergency services.
We ❤️ you, students and robotics lovers, and congratulations to the winning teams! Students like you (and your advisors) make our hearts beat faster!
Middle School – Team 805 – Alana Lee and Diara Tsikis of TX
High School – Team 106 – Chris Calvao and Nicholas Reed of MA
Postsecondary – Team 504 – Aaron Haymore and Willard Sheets of NC