The Lacombe Composite High School (LCHS) Robotics Club returned for an encore appearance at a Friends of the Library event to showcase their technological creations last Thursday night.
Approximately 30 students, split into teams, demonstrated the robots they have been working on for several weeks to a group gathered at the Lacombe Memorial Centre.
In a show and tell format each team went up and explained what their robot is intended to do in a competition, either FTC or VEX. Some of the robots showcased hang, others climb, shoot out balls, pick up debris or place items in a basket.
One of the most unique aspects is all the robots are built from the ground up - from imagining a robot, creating a detailed design to complete tasks in a competition, assembling a kit, followed by working with team members to tweak and make adjustments.
“Each and every robot is different,” explained LCHS instructor Steve Schultz. “Remarkably these students are on the cutting edge of the future.”
Countless hours are put into each robot, with care and attention inserted into each part. One of the teams has been using a 3-D printing technique to create wheels and other aspects of their robot.
Next, the students answered questions from attendees which differed from, “How long did it take to construct each robot?” to, “Why are they passionate about robotics?”
The club will be attending a worlds competition in April, which they have been working towards over the past six or so weeks.
The students expressed currently at the school they are using four classrooms and a hallway to do their robotics projects. These spaces are not equipped with work benches or adequate space for the students to work.
The club is seeking a large garage or shed to be used as a work space for building their creations and hosting competitions.
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