Kinetic Knights reveal new robot; off to first competition Friday

The Kinetic Knights (FRC Team 781) robotics team held an open house and robot reveal March 2, at the new build space on Lambton Street.

The team leaves tomorrow (March 15) for its first competition of the year, in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) 2019 challenge, “Destination Deep Space,” at Georgian College in Barrie,

At the open house, build captain James Adams thanked all the team's sponsors for their support, and the mentors and parents for their help all year, particuarly during build season which ended Feb. 19 at midnight.

James also announced the team's nomination for the Woodie Flowers mentors' award: Barry Collins, a build mentor, who has been with the team for several years and lends his technical knowledge and expertise throughout the year, especially during the build season.

Team members who have been nominated for the Dean's List award, are Nathan Williams and Eric Hackney. To be nominated, you have to be in Grade 10 or 11, and a lead member on the team who exemplifies the guidelines of FIRST.

During the open house, James demonstrated how the game is played, with the robot maneuvering hatches and cargo into the rocket ship and space shuttle, in order to score points.

Since the competition robot had to be “bagged and tagged” Feb. 19, the team has been working with the practice robot, which is a “messier” version of the actual robot. The Kinetic Knights named this year's robot, “Perseverance,” given the struggles they have been through, with the move from the learning centre location to the new shop on Lambton Street, and setting up the new space.

The Kinetic Knights compete at two district events – the first in Barrie March 15-17, and then at the University of Western Ontario in London, April 5-7. If they qualify for the Ontario championships, they will travel to Mississauga April 10-13, and then to the worlds in Detroit, Michigan, April 24-27.