Robotics

Rolling with Robotics: programming perfection

Marlo Butler '28

Copy Editor

Robotics is more than just building a robot– it takes countless hours of design, critical thinking, documenting and more. Despite all the hard work and effort this requires, robotics is actually centered around one fun and exhilarating game.

The robotics competitions are held under the program called “VEX.” . The types of games played each year alternate and consist of multiple rounds where the participants' basic goal overall is to score more than the opposing team.

Teams compete in two-on-two battles in which people from two different schools are paired up. Each round is timed, with scoring counted afterwards. One section of scoring is based absolutely on a team's programming skills. Teams must program the robot to gain as many points as possible, whilst not being able to use a remote control while the robot completes its program. The other portion of scoring is more hands on and “video-game” style. Drivers conduct where the robot goes and have the ability to either defend or gain points for their team.

Two VEX robots in the practice pen.

Mrs. Hsu, aside from teaching classes, is the key conductor of Louisville’s robotics team. Having been a member of “VEX” programs competitions for many years, Mrs. Hsu is well acquainted with what makes a successful robot.

Louisville has four teams separated into Team A, Team B, Team C and Team D. Each team individually designs, constructs, documents and programs their robot. In most teams, specific roles are assigned based on skill and quantity.

Roles include builders, programmers and drivers. The drivers’ main purpose during competitions is to maneuver the robot according to the game. Programmers are most useful for the autonomous portion of competition, as well as giving the robot the power to move and function overall through coding. Builders focus on creating and forming the actual body of the robot.

This year, the robotics teams took on many competitions, winning two judges awards and one build award in the season so far! Judges awards are based on sportsmanship as well as interviews, where teams are asked questions on the process of their robo-creations. Members of Team D, with Joey Vazquez ’28, Veronica Lee ’28, Isel Pegula ’28 and Emmerson Calle’26 have notably taken on high scores, placing top 10 in recent competitions!

Team C, consisting of Cecilia Lynch ’26, Mia Duarte ’26, Maryan Macaraeg ’28, and Taryn Liu ’29, who refers to themselves as team “Clanker,” can safely say that communication is a key part in construction when building. Teams spend afternoons, weekends, and even holidays working on their bots, but the end result is always worthwhile.

We look forward to seeing the new innovative robots the teams create this year!

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