ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – There are only a few days remaining of the U.P. State Fair, but there is still plenty to see and do through this weekend.
One of the most unique attractions is Robot Fair Play. FIRST Robotics students from across the Upper Peninsula compete against each other and demonstrate their skills to fairgoers.
Each year, the teams face a different design and skill challenge. This year’s game is ocean-themed.
“We have a reef with metal pegs, and you’ve got to take what are called corals—which are just PVC pipes—and you take them on and off,” explained senior Boyne Gregg, a member of the Binary Crows 10589. “You take these big rubber balls, which they call algae. You can put them into this really high net, so you need like a high elevator, or you can put them into a hole in the wall. There is also an aspect of having your robot lift itself off the ground from a really low-hanging metal cage.”
The teams crafted and programmed their robots during the school year.
“You have about six to seven weeks to build your robot,” said first-year Deceivers 4392 team member Ariyana Pennington. “One week, I had fifteen hours. You have to try and manage your grades on top of everything else. It is very, very grueling. You do lose a lot of sleep, but it’s all worth it in the end.”
They began by drawing up plans, designing the robot, determining which part of the game to focus on in order to earn the most points, and creating prototypes. They say while some aspects may seem easy, there is a lot going on behind the scenes to make them happen.
“When you want a motor to just go to a specific point—for example, like you want to lift your arm up—it’s not as simple as saying, ‘Hey, motor, go up,'” Gregg said. “There’s a ton that goes into it, like fighting gravity and friction and all sorts of different factors. “
With high school seniors continually graduating from robotics programs, these students are urging new people to join their local teams to see what they can accomplish and what kind of friendships they can make.
“As we say, this isn’t just robots,” Pennington said. “It’s a full community. You are with your team so much to the point where you’re family, you know? You meet so many people like you, and it’s just amazing.”
On Saturday, August 16, fairgoers can catch robotics demonstrations at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. near the grandstand. There are also FIRST Lego League tabletop robotics activities set up for younger kids in the DNR Pocket Park.
To inquire about joining a FIRST Robotics team or sponsoring local robotics activities, email robotfairplay@gmail.com or visit the Robot Fair Play Facebook page. To learn more about the Binary Crows, click here. For information on the Deceivers, click here.
WZMQ 19 is a proud Reserve Champion Sponsor of the U.P. State Fair.
