4/29/2010
Illinois youth displayed impressive technological abilities by putting their robots in motion at the 2nd Annual Illinois 4-H Robotics Challenge held on Saturday, April 24, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
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Illinois youth displayed impressive technological abilities by putting their robots in motion at the 2nd Annual Illinois 4-H Robotics Challenge held on Saturday, April 24, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Youth teams engineered their robots to transport a small plastic ball from one end of a 96-inch table to the other while using sensors to avoid obstacles along the way. Upon finishing the course, the robots were designed to perform a victory dance to music. Fifteen teams representing all regions of the state participated in the event.
“Most of these teams have been working since February to prepare for this challenge," said Lisa Bouillion Diaz, U of I Extension 4-H specialist. “We were really impressed with the high level of preparation and creativity.”
In addition to being judged on the performance of their robot, teams were asked to discuss the computer program their robot used for the challenge and to complete an unrelated teamwork activity to show their ability to work as a team.
The two top-scoring junior teams (ages 9 to 14) were Robo Storm 2 from Macon County and Knox Automatons from Knox County. Robo Storm 2 members include Nathan Jefson, Samuel Kunzeman, Hannah Lightner, and Christopher Miller. Knox Automatons members include Carli Brucker, Matt Brucker, and Nathan Puthenveetil. The teams were awarded scholarships from the Illinois 4-H Foundation to participate in the 2010 FIRST LEGO League competition to be held this fall and at regional competitions across Illinois.
The top-scoring senior team (ages 14 to 18) was the Jubilee Jammers from Peoria County. Team members include Isaac Forney, Jordan Forney, Alex Maher, and Justin Keyt. The team also received a scholarship from the Illinois 4-H Foundation to represent Illinois at the 2010 National 4-H Engineering Challenge to be held at Purdue University on September 26 to 28.
“At a time when resources are tight everywhere, we are fortunate to be able to host this event at no cost to 4-H members,” Bouillion Diaz said. “These state events provide an opportunity for youth to see how their learning is connected to a larger community and to expand their vision of possible future careers.”
The Illinois 4-H robotics challenge was sponsored by Illinois 4-H in partnership with the U of I College of Engineering, and the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES).
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Contact: Lisa Bouillion Diaz, U of I Extension 4-H specialist, 217/333-0910.
Writer: LeAnn M. Ormsby, communications specialist, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, 217/244-4786.
If you have any questions about the College of Engineering, or other story ideas, contact Rick Kubetz, Engineering Communications Office, 217/244-7716, editor.