Around 50 workers gathered in a workshop. Some finalized designs on computers, others refined computer code, a group built metal and wire creations and a few used social media to further the brand. The scene isn’t an autobody shop but McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology’s robotics team, 1024. Team 1024, the “Kil-A-Bytes,” is one of 145 teams competing in Indiana FIRST, the statewide chapter of a worldwide robotics competition. FIRST teams are not only engaging in a fun hobby but are also investing in their future.
Michael Terry, a freshman within Lawrence Township Schools where McKenzie is located, appreciates the edge his experience will give him in a future job search.
“I’ll have a better chance of getting the job because they know that I have had a background in engineering and I’ve done extra, so I’ll know more about computer systems and things that will go into it instead of having to be taught the first day of the job,” Terry said.
Students competing in FIRST gain experience working and thinking like professionals in STEM fields. For example, professional engineers often keep engineering notebooks to keep track of their work on various and possibly identify improvements they can make. FIRST teams fill out similar notebooks for the same reasons.
In addition to the STEM experience competitors receive and the robots’ performance, judges also grade teams based on how well they created and maintained a brand surrounding their robots. Students interested in graphic design, social media, videography and marketing can start their portfolio working with FIRST.
While teachers help students in the competition, they aren’t the children’s only mentors. Professionals from different career fields such as Ruth Tommey, a marketing specialist at AndyMark Inc., volunteer as instructors. Tommey undergoes a 45-minute commute a few times a week to volunteer for Team 1024 where she assists the Kil-A-Bytes with design, video editing and brand creation. Her coaching helps the students’ work maintain a professional aesthetic.
“You don’t want an ugly robot,” Tommey said.
In addition to professionals, FIRST competitors gain connections with entire companies that either offer sponsorships to FIRST winners or even contribute resources to teams such as money or tools. The partnerships allow students to gain more knowledge about the field they wish to eventually work in. Allison Phelps, a former team 1024 member turned advisor, said after college she immediately worked for Alexander Screw Products, a 1024 sponsor.
“I knew how to use the design software and things like that because it’s the same design software that 1024 was using,” Phelps said.
Hard skills and networking are important for budding professionals, but FIRST also helps them develop valuable soft skills.
“We’re building the next generation of problem solvers through mentorship, hands on learning and intense competition.” Renee Becker-Blau, executive director for Indiana FIRST, said. “Our students just happen to build a robot.”
Teamwork is one of these important soft skills. Not only do FIRST competitors learn to work in specialized groups, such as programming or marketing crews, but they also work with the team as a whole. Terry said team members contribute to multiple groups.
The comradery doesn’t end with one’s own team. Macalister Livingston, a sophomore, said competing teams help each other. One competitor allows the Kil-A-Bytes to use their track to practice. Teams share equipment at competitions with competitors who are experiencing an emergency.
“At the end of the day we’re still trying to kill each other, but we’re all still happy in a community,” Livingston said.
Contact staff writer Ben Lashar at 317-762-7848. Follow him on Twitter @BenjaminLashar.
Robotics
