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Robotics League Fills Sidney Gym with Excitement

Young 4-H robotics students from across western Nebraska filled the West Elementary gym in Sidney Saturday to test their skills in the First Lego League Regional Championship.

As part of the competition teams made presentations about their projects, then went through three rounds of hands-on competition where members programmed their small machines to perform tasks in timed events.

Out of the competition, eight teams earned the right to compete in the Nebraska Championship, to be held at the Nebraska Robotics Expo at the Strategic Air Command Aerospace Museum in Ashland Feb. 16.

Teams qualifying for state competition include: the Kimbots; Spartabots I; Central Sandhills Mech Techs; Spartabots II; Hyannis Sandbots, Hyannis; GR Overdrive; Bulldog Droids; and Blazing Tigerbot Builders.

Spartabots II was the tournament's top individual team. Judges were particularly impressed with the team's poise under pressure, dropping its robot just prior to judging but still fighting through the competition.

Also receiving high praise for its performance thoughout the competition was second place team Central Sandhills Mech Techs.

The Core Values Award, presented to the team that best demonstrated enthusiasm and spirit, inspiration, exceptional partnership, and the utmost respect to its own teammates and in its support and encouragement of fellow teams, went to GR Overdrive.

Spartabots I got the Robot Performance Award, notching a high score of 92 points in one of its three 2.5 minute matches.

Blazing the trail in robot design Blazing Tiger Bot Builders were awarded the Robot design Award.

During each qualifier event in our region in Nebraska, the project judges looked for teams who's project they felt was extraordinary innovative and would best represent Nebraska at a Global level in innovation. Nebraska will be able to nominate one team to advance on to the next steps.

The judges selected two candidates who will be considered for an official nomination. These teams will be asked to come present their project presentation at the Nebraska Championship where they will be judged alone for Global Innovation. The teams nominated were Central Sandhills Mech Techs and ROBO NINjas.

The Project Award, presented to teams whose quality research, innovative solutions, community sharing, and presentation best reflect an in-depth understanding of the scientific disciplines involved with the Project, went to Apollo Bots 5.

Not all awards went to the robotics competitors. Recognized for her extra effort was volunteer Sue Pearman, while Susan Connell of Hyannis received the Coach/Mentor Award.

 

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