SMHS Robotics Team Unveils New Robot

Editor's Note: This article was submitted to Patch by the Titanium Robotics team at San Marino High School.

After six consecutive weeks of building, Titanium Robotics 1160 has completed their robot for the 2012-2013 season. This robot, named Feathers McGraw after the character from Wallace and Gromit, uses a pulley system to lift itself above the ground and earn points in the 2013 FRC game. Team 1160 presented their work to the public at San Marino High School on Feb. 18. They will be traveling to Madera, Calif. for the upcoming Central Valley Regional in the hope of qualifying for the National Championship in March.

“Ultimate Ascent”

This year’s FIRST robotics competition, “Ultimate Ascent,” combines the best of Ultimate Frisbee and rock climbing. Alliances consisting of three robots work to collect and fire Frisbees into goals on either side of an arena. Further points are given for robots that climb a 9-foot steel pyramid in the center of the field. This year, Titanium Robotics will compete at two separate competitions: Los Angeles and Madera. We hope to qualify for the National competition held at Atlanta, Georgia in March.

About Titanium

Titanium Robotics is a team consisting about 50 students, mainly from San Marino High, who come together with a common interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. From being on this team, students learn from professional engineers who have volunteered to mentor team members, they learn to build and compete with a robot of their own design, use different software and programs, and learn how to manage and run a business.

About FIRST®

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST ® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from three out of every five Fortune 500 companies and more than $14 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST ® Robotics Competition (FRC®) and FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC®) for high-school students, FIRST®LEGO® League (FLL®) for 9 to 14-year olds, (9 to 16-year-olds outside the U.S., Canada, and Mexico) and Junior FIRST®LEGO® League (Jr.FLL®) for 6 to 9-year-olds. Gracious Professionalism™ is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org