Dutchess Community College was the scene of a robot invasion on Feb. 2 at the FIRST Lego League Robotics tournament. With more than 150 participants between the ages of 10 and 14, the competition was the first of its kind in the Hudson Valley and was made up of 12 teams on a quest to gain scientific knowledge and a learning experience to remember.
With team names like “The Robo-Stormers” and “The Energy Agents,” the event wasn’t just kids playing with Legos – it was a test of brainpower, research, design and teamwork.
“The kids are doing great,” said John Long, robotics design judge and professor of cognitive sciences and biology at Vassar College. “It’s impressive that individuals play specialized roles that require all of their talents, yet it shows that science and technology require teamwork and social activity.”
FIRST stands for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology,” the name of the foundation that started the event in 1984 in New Hampshire. FIRST partnered with Lego in 1998 to help children enjoy science and technology, and since then the event has grown, with a global competition taking place at the Georgia Dome. Although not yet a regional qualifier, the organizers of this year’s Dutchess County event plan on continued growth. “Each year we expect to get bigger,” said Leah Akins, a professor of engineering at DCC and one of the tournament directors.
Beyond building remote controlled Lego-bots, the participants are also required to complete research reports and presentations, present design qualities, and must prove their team worked together to accomplish its goals. The theme of this year’s event was “Power Puzzle,” and it focused on alternative energy sources, directing each team to perform a building audit of their choice and prepare a research presentation, making suggestions on how each of these properties could save energy.
Throughout the day, students reported their findings to various judges. Topics were split amongst classrooms designated with three judges: Robot Design (which focused on the mechanics and programming), Research (which focused on the presentation of the building audits), and Teamwork (proving that each team worked together) were the categories within which the students completed their missions.
“Every year there is a new theme,” said Casimer DeCusatis, another tournament director, and an IBM employee who helped bring the competition to the area. “It’s the first tournament in the Mid-Hudson Valley,” he said. “The kids are doing a fantastic job.”
Rubber meets the road
After all their labor and hard work, students were excited to put their robots to the test by competing in a three-round series of remote-controlled exercises on a Lego obstacle course. Two-and-a-half minute trials were given to each team to complete nine missions on a Lego course that consisted of tests like putting a solar panel on the roof of a house, placing wind turbines on a hill, pushing a hydroelectric dam over a river and other green objectives. Naturally, all of the structures were made of Legos. After each trial, teams were judged by referees who added up points for missions accomplished. Teams received trophies for their efforts, but also walked away with the beginnings of a career in science and technology.
“At first, it’s nebulous,” said Bill Hoffman, the coach of the Energy Agents, a team sponsored by IBM and representing various area schools. “But it becomes more and more real as they get closer to the tournament.”
With pop music playing in the background, and parents, teachers and friends in the stands, the event had an exciting take on science and technology, appearing more like a futuristic sports event. “It’s mayhem,” said Hoffman, smiling as his team took off for their third and last round.
Most of the robots were equipped with forklifts, touch sensors, sound sensors and features normally reserved for science fiction movies.
“It’s neat,” said Erica Woolley, a mother and supporter in the stands. “Both of my children have been athletes, so it’s good to see them utilizing their brain – there’s quite a bit of work done at home, and it really puts their ideas into focus.”
With supporters and sponsors like IBM and the New York State Society of Professional Engineers, and various local colleges, universities and businesses in the mix, this was no ordinary robot race. “This year’s challenge helps kids understand how we use and re-use power,” said Akins. “It’s about having fun competing, but more importantly, about learning important current technology, science and mathematic concepts.”
Most of this year’s participants came from word of mouth, but as the challenge continues to grow, the organizers and the students look forward to potentially going to the next level. “We’re looking for this effort to become a regional competition; that’s our next goal,” said Akins.
To be involved in the next FIRST Lego League Tournament, or to get more information on the Lego league of Poughkeepsie, contact Akins at: Akins@sunydutchess.edu.