Robotics prepares for another year of success after the new season challenge was dropped last Saturday and on top of this the team has received a new workspace.

After an incredible 5th place performance at regionals last year, the Minerbots are looking for more wins. This year’s new FIRST Tech Challenge(FTC) poses a difficult season though. It is by far more complicated than last year, with more moving parts and more ways to score. This does not deter the team. “I expect us to go to worlds. I expect us to win Inspire,” replied Cody Zhang, sophomore.

The new game involves firing multiple balls of two different sizes into large see-saws. When these see-saws tip due to the weight of balls, the team scores points. Other ways to score with the balls include firing into tubes that dispense balls called flowers and placing them in designated places. “I think there are a lot of good robots that can be built. I feel like this year it is going to be way more diverse…” said Cody, commenting on this year’s game.

Another big change this year is that the team has a new workspace: The former teachers lounge has now been transformed into a messy lab with multiple 3D printers, a large arena and shelves of materials. With this new location, they have access to the student commons for more space and team meetings.

Not only is the team well prepared and has a new room but is also well stocked with new faces. Many Sophomores and Freshmen signed up this new year with many of these taking up the role of 3D modelling.

The team meets every Tuesday after school and Thursday at Miner Block and after school. The first scrimmage is Saturday, October 10.