Roanoke Robotics
Some folks here in Roanoke & Southwestern Virginia are enjoying robotics as a hobby, and you can too!
We are looking for folks who enjoy, or think they might enjoy, robotics as a hobby, as a fun way of learning about science, engineering and technology, or even as a possible career.
News: Science Museum of Western Virginia, in downtown Roanoke, will host a Robotics Day event:
Saturday, May 21st, 2011 – The Science Museum will host the “RoboParade” event, including workshops, exhibits, and a fun parade of robots! More info is available here: http://www.thetechnologycouncil.com/RoboParade
Here’s a press release about a previous Robotics Day event at the Science Museum: Press Release
Local FLL Robotics Teams advanced to the VA State Tournament
Educational Robotics Tournaments in Virginia:
- FLL Regional Tournaments each November www.vadcfll.org/tournaments.html
- FLL State Championship Tournament, each December, at Harrisonburg High School, 1001 Garbers Church Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, sponsored by JMU
- FLL Tournaments typically run from approximately 10 AM until about 4 PM, and are free to the public… please stop by and check out the kids and adults having a blast, learning, sharing, competing, and getting excited about using robotics to improve life for all people. www.vadcfll.org/tournaments.html
- FTC Robotics Tournaments in Virginia: www.vaftc.org
FIRST Lego League Robotics Team Members and Their Robot:
Goals:
-Inspire people to get excited about science and technology.
-Create a club for people to share their robotic creations and ideas, and learn from others.
-Grow the hobby of educational robotics.
-Create, Encourage & Mentor FIRST Lego League (FLL), Vex & FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), and FIRST Robotics teams.
-Build robots and robotics kits, like the kits available from Parallax, such as the BOE-Bot.
We Want to Help Start New FLL & FTC Teams
The number of FLL Teams in the Roanoke Valley has grown from one team in 2005, to over ten teams in 2009! J
Welcome to one the FLL & FTC teams in the Roanoke Valley! J
www.robodesigners.com We look forward to cheering for you at the tournaments!
The number of FTC Teams in the Roanoke Valley has gone from zero to 3 teams! J
We are offering to provide mentoring for new FLL & FTC teams in the Roanoke Valley region during the coming year: We will work with and mentor new teams. We will donate time, energy, advice and technical assistance as you learn to coach your team. We may be able to assist you in obtaining educational grants to help fund your team.
FIRST Robotics Team Members and Their Robot:
Educational Robotics Links:
-Coaching FIRST Lego League (FLL) teams at Colonial Elementary School, the Colonial Cougars, in Blue Ridge, Botetourt County, VA.
-Vex Labs, the makers of the Vex Robotics kits.
-Parallax also makes robotics kits such as the BOE-Bot.
Two Fun Robots: A Professionally-Built Robot and a Kid-Built (FIRST Lego League) Robot:
What is FIRST Lego League (FLL)?
An international program created through a partnership between FIRST and the LEGO Group
Ø INSPIRES children, ages 9 to 14, to participate in science and technology
Ø ENGAGES kids in playful and meaningful learning
Ø PROVIDES a fun, creative, hands-on learning experience
Ø CHALLENGES kids to solve real-world problems using robotics
Ø TEACHES children to experiment and overcome obstacles
Ø BUILDS self-esteem and confidence
Our FLL team members work hard, learn a lot about science and technology, and how they can contribute to creating a better world. The children, parents and coaches all have a great time during the FLL season, including the November Regional Tournament in Christiansburg.
Sample from the FLL Comic Book:
Vex Robot Assembling Puzzle Pieces During a Competition:
BOE-Bot Educational Robotics Kit:
There is already a lot going on in robotics in this region:
-Virginia Tech is developing autonomous vehicle technology that will one day save lives.
Here are some award-winning VT Robotics teams:
- Autonomous Vehicle Team : www.avt.me.vt.edu/
- DARPA Grand Challenge Team: www.me.vt.edu/grandchallenge/
- Autonomous Helicopter Team: www.me.vt.edu/uav
- Autonomous Submarine Team: www.aoe.vt.edu/design/auvt/
- Blind Driver Challenge Team: www.me.vt.edu/hsav/
-AUVSI is forming a local chapter here, called the Blue Ridge Chapter.
-Cyber Motion has developed mobile robotic systems.
-If your group or someone you know should be mentioned or linked from here, please let me know.
-Complete Optical Solutions develops optics for robotics applications, among other things.
A Vex-based, Omniwheel Robot:
Prototype Robotic Helicopter:
If you are interested in robotics, or just want to learn more, then please contact me via email or telephone. Please put “Roanoke Robotics” in the subject line of your email.
Come join us and let’s build cool robots. Let’s build a better future together, for everyone.
Thanks,
Kevin and Friends
Kevin Hines
Coach, FIRST Lego league
Mentor, FIRST Tech Challenge & FIRST Robotics Challenge
Email: KevinHines@aol.com
Telephone: 540-819-8020