Robotics Team Share Competition Experience

Spark Industry Robotics recently went into competition. Placing third in the overall best award, their hard work was put to the test with the hopes to make it to Auburn University’s larger competition.

“We had to build up our company at the competition, people can come to learn about people in our school area and different companies,” junior Reid McNabb said.

Compared to the previous year, this competition was said to have been more lively, each student was well prepared and the entire set up was organized. Planning for this competition started in Dec. 2015 but the theme was not set in stone until Sept. 27 of this year.

“This year was indeed better than last year even though the competition results were better last year,” McNabb said.

Chosen by BEST Robotics Incorporated, the theme was “Bet the Farm.” The team had to build robots that could easily harvest different vegetables, plant seeds or corral toy pigs into a pen. Over 60 people helped to work on this simulation project staying after school as late as 9:30 pm, to make sure that all things were right. The engineering side made it to the final robot round. They received first in CAD and first in Matlab/Simulink, second in website and first in engineering notebook.

“There wasn’t really anything we did that wasn’t done well,”  junior Emma Richards said. “Our presentation was stellar, our exhibit, the engineering notebook, our supporters. Everything was outstanding.”

Spark Industry Robotics was formed to teach students about real world living. The class offers the opportunity to learn how real companies and businesses run smoothly.

“The competition for me has always been full of energy I was never standing still,” Richards said. “I think of it as a pep rally but during this we aren’t cheering for football players.”