Deep Run Robotics Team Moves on to World Championships

The robotics team from Deep Run High School, known as Blue Cheese, was honored with the Chairman’s Award at the FIRST Robotics Competition Virginia Regional held April 7-9 at the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center. The team, often known by just its team number 1086, battled 60 other teams from Virginia, New Hampshire, New Jersey, […]

April 19, 2011; 8:35 AM • by Downtown Short Pump Staff

Teams that competed from Henrico County Public Schools were Deep Run, Godwin, Highland Springs, Tucker, and Henrico High Schools. The robotics team from Glen Allen High School built the minibot for Tucker High School that competed in the competition. Students from Wilder Middle School and Elko middle school attended the competition and participated on a field trip exploring STEM with hands-on activities, including a visit to “Technology Row.”

The 2011 FIRST Robotics Competition game, LOGO MOTION, includes “pick up and place,” a game in which robots attempt to hang inflated shapes on pegs of various heights. Specific combinations score additional points. In the final seconds, robots have the opportunity to deploy “minibots” to climb high towers for an exciting end game that can quickly change the final outcome.

Each year, FIRST Robotics supplies each team with a new game (problem) and a kit of parts, which teams use to construct their robots. In a race against the clock, teams have to strategize, design and program their robots for the competition. The sports-like competition teaches teamwork and project management, and incorporates web design and business skills.

The Deep Run team will move on to compete in St. Louis, Missouri on April 27-30 at the World Championships with over three hundred national and international teams. For the fifth year in a row, the team will represent Virginia and Deep Run High School at the international competition.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest in science and technology. The not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math.