Huntington Robotics Displays Technological Flexibility

Huntington High School robotics team members demonstrated a remarkable degree of flexibility this year. When the Blue Devils’ first competition at Hofstra University had concluded, the group realized its robot needed “massive structural changes” if it was to succeed in its mission.

“In only five days, we needed to change the robot almost completely and went for a complete redesign of the arm grabbing device,” one of the team members said. “We used wheels instead of tank treads and lowered the pivot point of the arm. Normally it takes us six-weeks to build a robot, but being that the young team learned so much throughout the way, the five days came easy.”

The team recognized the engineering issue, created a solution and worked with never seen before cohesion and determination. “We successfully constructed the robot and at the beginning of our next competition at Tech Valley Regional at Albany’s MVP Arena there were, of course, some bumps in the road,” a team member said. “After overcoming these challenges, we placed 10 positions higher than our last competition with an almost entirely new robot.”

Between competitions, Huntington Robotics enjoys visiting district elementary school building, giving presentations and demonstrations and creating interest in the robotics program.

Team members are working with Rachel’s Dance for the Cure. They will be setting up an area for attendees to play with the Huntington robot. The group hopes to spread more awareness about pediatric cancer and raise donations to support those suffering from it. Huntington Robotics intends to operate a t-shirt cannon at both this week’s dance-a-ton and the K-Factor talent show.

The robotics team also hopes to continue showcasing its robot to groups around the district, including the Girl Scouts, who the teenagers want to offer a chance to experience driving the robot.

A sponsor’s dinner is slated for early June. It will provide the robotics program with an opportunity to thank its financial supporters, including Gellerman Orthodontics, Flagpoles Inc., The Maria and Donna Team, Di Ramos, AloeTech, String it Up and Max Customs.