On Saturday, November 16th, NKN Robotics attended Meet 1 at Hillsboro High School, and ended the day in 2nd place out of 21 teams.
NKN Robotics had a strong autonomous program, which gave the team the tie-breaker edge over the other teams who also ended the day with a 4-1 record overall.
Tie breaker autonomous points (the AUTO column-see scorecard below) are measured by averaging all round autonomous scores and dividing by two. Of the 68 points NKN’s alliances scored during autonomous today – 65 of those points were earned by our team. Even more exciting – the team has yet to be allied with the number one team — If luck allows, during Meet 2, the two top teams may be able to get a season high score together. The team flew through robot and field inspection today, though the head inspector recommended that we move towards a bluer acrylic and bolder font for our number signs by the State Competition. The number sign mounts were a particular success – with Alex and Xandre spending time developing the idea, and O’Ryan and Hunter CAD modelling brackets and finishing the build. Along with Ian they all learned that laser cutting and gluing acrylic is a stinky business!
During the 2 minute tele-op period, the team of chassis driver Colly and Arm driver Karsten with coach Lily Hummel speedily placed items in the top basket for 8 points a piece. Backup arm driver Xandre operated during one of the top two rounds this meet for 122 points, only 3 points shy of the team’s top score during the final round of the day!
The level of programming involved in the smooth operation of the robot during both autonomous and tele-op reflected the extra hours put in by the programmers, and from the first round of the competition it was evident that the extra hours of work by Dillon and Karsten paid off. NKN’s programming team is robust this year, in addition to Dillon and Karsten, Lily and Xandre have also joined the ranks making the future of NKN Robotics very bright.
Lead Engineer Colly put in a large number of additional hours on the arm building and rebuilding intakes, and replacing the arm motor with the lowest gear motor ever mounted on a NKN Robot. The 30 rpm motor is excellent at reducing the pendulum action of the arm when it is extended. That change made a big difference in the operation of the arm during this meet.
Cad designer Hunter created handles, bumpers and a new intake for the robot between Meet 0 and Meet 1 – with a few more tweaks, the design of the intake will be as good as it can get – inspiring team members to envision future improved designs. The team (particularly Colly, Britton, and Jacob) are working on the development robot which will host new design ideas before adding those designs to the competition robot. This will allow the team to keep the competition robot in peak condition for competition while allowing for continued improvement and lots of driver practice. Look for new design ideas to evolve for future meets. Lily is working hard on never before seen intake designs, and Karsten on systems to host that intake and deliver samples and specimens as fast as possible.
What went on off the field on Saturday was just as important for the team. Team members worked together with gracious professionalism all day – helping each other with tasks, and stepping up before being asked. Each team member chose a “job” for the day – from documenting the competition, to maintaining the robot, to connecting with alliance partners. Team members were motivated, involved and watching the competition closely.
Evan the battery czar taking the job seriously. with a big smile on his face.
Livestream of the event can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/live/36d0CVV9YFc?si=QwDVbqjzfmn0wXS_ (NKN Robotics is team 14687 – you can see them in rounds 1, 9, 11, 21, and 25.)
In other news:
Recently, Francisco and Lily wrote a grant for more programming computers, custom team sweatshirts, new PS5 controllers, and a parts order. The team just heard that NWRESD STEMhub is giving NKN Robotics $4,000. These funds will help NKN Robotics continue to grow moving forward.
Meet 2 will be on December 14th at Hillsboro High School.
Thanks to our sponsors: Mudd Nick Foundation, Eugene Schmuck Foundation, Tillamook County Creamery Association, and Northwest Regional Education Service District – Official STEMhub for their continued generous support of NKN Robotics.
