The iRaider’s 2016 Robotics season kicked off with a bang January 4th with the announcement
of this year’s challenge: Steamworks. In this game, teams must design, program, and build
robots that are able to lift gears, shoot balls, and climb a rope, all fitting in the theme of preparing
an airship.
The process starts with design, where the entire team gets together to decide how the robot will
function.Then, the design is digitally modelled using CADD software. The team constructs the
robot from the model, then that empty shell is programed in the Java language to the team to
practice driving. Its an all-hands-on-deck season.
“Its a great opportunity for me to learn technical skills and how to work with others,” says
Mechanical team leader Jacob Russett, “It’s a very fulfilling time”.
The season lasts six weeks, by the end of which, the robot must be completed. This is ensured
by a process known as “bagging”, in which the parts are sealed in a large plastic bag. The team
is only allowed to open the bag for six hours between competitions. Wish the team the best of
luck in their huge undertaking!