Technokats Bring A Decade Of Experience To National Robotics Competition

Release Date: April 04, 2001

Kokomo, Ind. - The TechnoKats Robotics Team, sponsored by Delphi Automotive Systems (NYSE: DPH) and Kokomo High School, brings a decade of experience to the 2001 National FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition. The competition of more than 330 teams takes place April 5-7 at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

"This year's game is definitely a challenge," said Andy Baker, Delphi Delco Electronics' lead engineer for the TechnoKats. "There are some similarities to past competitions, but there also is a new addition to this year's game."

Under the 2001 format, four randomly assigned teams form the alliances that compete for the highest score. The members of each alliance have to work together to score as many points as possible. Points are scored by putting balls into or on top of goals and placing the robots and goals in an "end zone" or on a teeter-totter-like "bridge." While each team in an alliance receives the same score, an individual team can collect additional bonus points by placing its specified large colored ball on top of a goal.

The students, teachers and engineers who make up the TechnoKats perfected their strategy for the national contest by participating in the Western Michigan Regional in Grand Rapids, March 8-10, and the Midwest Regional in Evanston, Ill, March 22-24. "The highlight of the Western Michigan Regional was winning the "Leadership in Control Award," according to Baker. The award honored the team's use of an angular-rate sensor to autobalance the goals on the bridge, along with the machine's quick-change arm design.

The TechnoKats were recognized again in the Midwest Regional, when they received the "General Motors Industrial Design Award" for the gyro balancing and tread system on their machine dubbed the "TechnoKart."

Thirty teams competed in the Midwest Regional. The TechnoKats were fourth heading into the finals. At the end of the competition, they were defeated by another Indiana-led alliance from Hammond, Ind.

"The students studied the capabilities of the other teams' machines to put together a stronger alliance," said Tim Railey, Kokomo High School lead teacher. "What they learn in design, communications and teamwork are skills they will use throughout the rest of their lives."

The FIRST program has spread throughout the state, as nine additional Indiana teams will join the FIRST competition in Florida this year. The other Hoosier teams include students from the cities of Hammond, Mishawaka, Indianapolis, Russiaville, Connersville, Morristown, Anderson, West Lafayette and Huntington.

After returning from the national competition, supporters of the TechnoKats will be able to cheer for them May 5 at the Indiana Robotics Invitational "Hoosier Havoc" Tournament. Thirty teams will converge at Kokomo High School's Memorial Gym to bring an exciting experience to the local community.