The loud, bustling room of collaborating teams, the sound of computer keys clicking underneath the sound of fingertips, the sight of motors and claws around the room, that’s how you know you’ve made it to room 382 where WHS Robotics students are working hard for their upcoming home competition.
With the kickoff of the New Jersey FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics season, WHS Robotics teams, Positive Charge, That Hertz and Flux Capacitors are gearing up for Nov. 3, where they will face off against teams from across Union, Essex and Hudson counties.
“Each year, competitions are played two teams vs two teams,” said junior Kai Patel, president of WHS Robotics. “The matchups are random; a team that’s a partner for one round could be your opponent for another round, so you have to create strategies and work with people on the spot.”
Each match begins with a 30-second autonomous period where robots follow pre-programmed commands, followed by a 2-minute driver-controlled phase. In the final 30 seconds, known as the endgame, high-scoring opportunities become available to teams after completing specific tasks. The most important rule to follow is Gracious Professionalism™, a term that players must adhere to, ensuring fairness across all teams.
This year’s competition challenge, ‘INTO THE DEEP’, entails constructing a robot that can retrieve “specimen” (rectangular blocks attached to clips) and placing them in baskets or hanging them on poles located around the arena. There are however, restricted areas that the robots must navigate through and limitations on how far it can extend.
WHS Robotics meets twice a week on-and-off season. The weeks leading up to competitions are packed with hard work as each team ensures that every detail from the code to the design are carefully tested. The work goes beyond constructing the robot itself, involving a wide range of responsibilities that prepare students with real-world skills.
“There are aspects of treasury and managing money, reaching out to companies and getting sponsorships and even outreaching to children through elementary schools’ STEM events,” said junior Giancarlo Giannetta, vice president of WHS Robotics.
Patel said, “There’s a STEM component of course, but artistic skills like designing and thinking outside of the box is encouraged. Communication and presentability are important skills like with our sponsorships and outreach subteams that aren’t thought of when you think about Robotics.”
Guiding the team for six years, mathematics teacher Mr. DeAngelo has seen WHS Robotics grow with students overcoming adversities and learning from one another. “It’s been such a joy to see it go from 7 students during the pandemic to over 45; just seeing the excitement that everyone has makes me want to see it continue and thrive.”
As the home competition approaches, the pressure is on, but the teams are ready to dive head first into any challenges that come their way. After months of preparation, WHS Robotics is ready to dive ‘INTO THE DEEP’. Make sure to support them on Nov. 3rd at 11:00 a.m. in the main gymnasium at WHS.