Metal Muscle Robotics Team Speakers
seen above with Member and monthly Program Chair Steve Schlott (in striped shirt) are (L-R) high school student Luke, Lead Mentor Don Ridge, and Scott, They described how their team of 19 students have been very successful in national competitions of robots designed, built, and operated by their team to accomplish specified tasks. The robots weigh up to 115#, may stand up to 120 inches high, and have to be created by the teams in no more than 6 weeks, using CAD design skills, CNC cutting and 3D printing technologies, computer coding, and various hand and power tools as part of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics program, conceived and developed by the famous “Segway” inventor Dean Kamen. Kettering University houses 8 robotics teams in one building, and the teams are funded by grants and donations to cover their $65K budget. Additional fundraising is required to cover travel, lodging, and food costs (high school kids?) for the high level competitions. This year’s finals were in Houston, and student costs for the trip were $300/person. In addition to their competition-related efforts, the teams also mentor younger middle school teams, capitalizing on the interest that Lego, K’Nex, Brio, Tinkertoys, & Erector Sets have generated over the years, to the point where there are now more robotics teams (500+) than football teams in the State of Michigan! Importantly, President Cindy Sullivan first connected with this robotics team when they participated in a recent Bed Build.
Steve Schlott has reached out to several members that we have not seen of late and updated the Club on their status as possible. He and Jeff Gauger also updated us on the Club’s involvement with recent Sleep in Heavenly Peace assemblies and builds. Steve reported a “personal record” (with his experienced team) of completing construction of 6 beds in 88 minutes! Jeff noted that 50 beds were built in the recent Flushing Moose Lodge event and that he will be representing our local work teams at the Lowe’s-sponsored “5,000 Bed Build” coming up in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Mic Goulet is looking for 8 volunteers (he will have a sign-up sheet) for the Special Olympics Softball Throw from 10:00 a.m. until Noon on May 16.
Bill Reaves reminded the Club of the looming deadline (May 7) for “Real ID” that will be required for air travel.
Prez Cindy updated us on SummerFest arrangements for June 19-21, with several sponsorship levels.
Jeff Dennings expressed his, and his mother’s, appreciation for Club support during “Cookie’s” health crises and recent passing. He also reminded the Club of the afternoon’s “Stammtisch” gathering at Kathy’s (which had 10+ participants).
Fines included Mic Goulet charging Steve Schlott with marking time of meeting activities, Jeff Dennings fining Rich Lewis for “conducting business” during the meeting, “pre-paying” fines, and “whining”, and Prez Cindy assessing “a fine against anyone whose son is not presenting his sweetheart with a ring by Gaines Jewelry this weekend”.
Scott Staley drew the lucky ticket (yet again) but could not see through the back of the card to know that the diamond he drew was the eight and not the queen, so the “50/50 Progressive Pot” grew to $725.
Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”