Airmen help high school robotics team gear up

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nathan Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Del Rio High School robotics team along with six mentors from Laughlin, returned to action and are headed to the 'Ultimate Ascent' preliminaries in Lubbock, Texas, Feb. 28 through March 2.

The more than 30 students making up Team 4063, known as 'TRikzR4kiDz', and the teachers and Airmen supporting them are preparing for their second ever competition and will compete against 52 teams in the Southwest Texas regionals for a chance to reach nationals in San Antonio, Texas Easter weekend.

"The kids are really trucking on through," said Airman 1st Class Steven Jara, 47th Flying Training Wing precision measurement and electronics laboratory tech and Team 4063's construction and design mentor. "It's pretty awesome working with the team and it's humbling to see how smart, respectful and talented they are."

Once again, mentors from Laughlin are offering their time and support to help the team craft a robot ready for action.

"Most of the Airmen helping have a degree in either mechanical or electrical engineering which helps the kid's ideas come to life," said Jara. "They aren't building or designing the robot for the kids; instead, the mentors can see the possible outcomes of the team's designs giving the kids an idea of where their designs will take them."

Last year, Team 4063 placed 27th out of 63 teams and ranked in the top three of the rookie teams competing at the Rebound Rumble competition in San Antonio. At that year's competition their robot was designed to shoot basketballs into hoops at varying heights for points.

Now a veteran team, Team 4063's challenge this year was to develop a robot capable of launching discs and climbing a pyramid.

"The addition of the climb this year has made the competition really hard and, comparing it to last year, makes the previous challenges in our rookie year seem very easy," said Carlos Rodriguez, a student and Team 4063's historian. "Last year we threw the robot together, this year we needed to brainstorm and plan."

Key to the planning and brainstorming were Laughlin mentors.

"The Air Force mentors have been very helpful with their engineering backgrounds, and they have been a big help," said Rodriguez. "One of our mentors came up with the idea for the climbing mechanism and the pneumatic system that's a part of it. We really appreciate the time they have put in."

"The Air Force members have helped with the modified shooter, the stopper for the disc launcher and the feeder mechanism for the robot," said Joshua Fabian, Team 4063 electrical team member. "Their presence has really helped the team.

"I wish we had more support like Laughlin's," said Brad Billeadeau, Del Rio High School engineering teacher and Team 4063 advisor. "Their technical expertise brings a lot to the students and their age makes them relatable to the kids."

With Team 4063's mad dash to the end over, morale is high as they prepare for the competition ahead, and the Laughlin mentors are impressed by the dedication the robotics club shows.

"It's a tough competition this year but the team is definitely up for it," said 2nd Lt. Anthony Pergola, 47th Student Squadron. "The best thing about being here is seeing what these kids can do, and when I walk through the workshop I am always floored by what they have done.

For more info on Team 4063 visit their website at http://team4063.org/