LoCo 4-H Robotics Team participates in State 4-H Robotics Challenge

 

[May 21, 2019] 

Local 4-H youth on the LoCo 4-H Robotics team participated in the 2019 Illinois State 4-H Robotics Competition, “4-H STEMbot Challenge” sponsored by University of Illinois Extension on May 11th in Bloomington. Nearly fifty 4-H Robotics teams from around the State gathered to compete.

Fifteen various challenges were included such as having the robot sweep up pretend broken glass and completing a mock heart replacement surgery, among others. Completing the challenges involves building and programming the robot as well as creating the table mat and any objects needed for the robot to move or manipulate. Robotics teams use a variety of robot platforms including LEGO MindStorms EV3, Vex, and open source robots such as Arduino.

Teams are judged on numerous items including points scored for challenges during each table run, technical design, team work, and creativity.

Front row, left to right are Kristy Morrow, Stephen Starasta, and Coach Leslie Starasta.  In the back row are Roux Starr and Coach Al Starr.

LoCo Robo was selected as the Level 1 Design Award winner at the competition which is based on the technical aspects of each team’s robot, including design decisions and code used.

LoCo Robo members included Kristy Morrow, Stephen Starasta, and Roux Starr. The team was led by coaches Leslie Starasta and Al Starr. To learn more about 4-H in Logan County, visit https://go.illinois.edu/logan4h 

[Patty Huffer
Extension Program Coordinator/4-H Youth Development]