Each year, Titanium Robotics participates in the ever-changing FIRST Robotics Competition. This year’s game is Destination: Deep Space, which consists of three main scoring components. The two main scoring possibilities are through the three-level high rocket ship and the flat, but wide cargo ship. To “complete” a ship, alliances of three teams must add hatch panels before depositing “cargo” balls in order to gain points.
Teams can also develop a climbing mechanism that can return them to the “habitat” near the end of the game to earn points for completing a climb. The first 15 seconds of the 2 minute, 45-second match is called the “Sandstorm” period, where driver vision is completely blocked, meaning that robots can only be controlled through autonomous code or vision systems. The alliance that earns the most points wins the match and will increase their overall ranking within the competition, which is needed to secure a coveted elimination round spot that could potentially qualify a team for the World Championship.
This weekend, Titanium Robotics will be attending the Idaho Regional at the Ford Idaho Center from March 28-30 in Nampa, Idaho. In the words of Engineering Vice President Stella Yao, “We’re super excited to showcase our robot as well as learn from other teams at this competition.”
Titanium Robotics continued to prepare for the competition throughout Spring Break. Engineering Vice President William Cockrum is one of the people in charge, trying to make sure “we will be the best that we can be next week at the Idaho competition.” Thursday, March 28 was reserved for setting up and practice matches while Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30 will feature proper qualification and elimination matches, respectively. The even—which hosts hundreds of high school students from approximately 30 other teams—is open to the public. More information can be found at IdahoFrcRegional.org. Titanium Robotics is a team consisting of over 100 students, mainly from San Marino High School, who come together with a common interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students learn from professional engineers and mentors to build and compete in the annual FIRST Robotics Challenge with a robot of their own design. Programming, electrical work, computer-aided design, and business management are all run by student representatives, making the entire organization student-led from start to finish.
