“Using innovative propulsion technologies, along with a light-censored camera system, the robot will autonomously move to a precise location based on the coding created for the mission, and then allow for multiple tasks to be completed with varying instruments, collecting data before the manual operations take over to complete the mission. All of this will be done through the coordination of a government agency but also with additional funding and support from commercial industries.”
If you think this description above sounds like something from a space mission, you would be correct. It describes the most recent NASA sponsored mission that was done in coordination with multiple commercial entities. Intuitive Machines was behind the landing of Odysseus (or Odie for short) on Thursday, February 22, 2024. This became the first US Related landing on the moon in 50 years but it was with an autonomous robot from a NASA sponsored space mission. The robot landed exactly 186 miles from the moon's south pole, using a high-power 3D-printed main engine.
While coming to the realization that it has been 50 years (1972 - for those doing the math at home) since the US has landed on the moon may be shocking, the description above also perfectly outlines what the new Pentucket Robotics FRC team is doing. The “Aluminum Panthers” #9443 will enter into their inaugural competition on Friday, March 1st at Salem NH High School as part of the FIRST Robotics competition. The “Granite State Challenge” is one of 2 qualifying events that Team 9443 will participate in to prepare them for the New England Regional competitions in Springfield, MA in early April and possibly the World Competitions in Houston, TX later in April.
What is FIRST?
FIRST, which stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, was founded by inventor Dean Kamen in 1989 as a way to connect professionals in the engineering fields with students so they could learn practical applications within the STEM fields. FIRST has grown into an international organization and its flagship competition is the FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) which is the highest level of competition. The robots that student and mentor teams build and develop are different and new each year. They are based on the new field and tasks that are expected. These robots weigh over 100 lbs.
and require students to plan, design, use CAD software, industrial equipment, build and assemble, code, operate, strategize and repair the robot, all in a 3 month season. You can learn and read more about FIRST on their website.
The Aluminum Panthers FRC Team
Pentucket has launched their rookie team this year and were assigned the team number #9443 - which will forever be associated with Pentucket’s team. Mr. Mo Elhelw was hired this year as a new teacher at Pentucket Regional Middle High School and he has been teaching the engineering and robotics classes to the middle and high school students. With more classes planned for next year to further expand the programming, Mr. E has brought much enthusiasm to the programming. The school building was designed with a workshop space of nearly 2000 sq. feet so this space has become the classroom space during the day and robotics lab and workshop in the afternoons, nights and weekends. The Robotics Team started meeting in the fall and when the season began in early January, there were over 25 students involved from 8th grade to 12th grade. The team also takes advantage of multiple volunteers who serve as mentors. These are parents or community members with expertise in a variety of fields who come and spend time working side by side with the students to build this year’s robot.
“This program is a very exciting and rewarding opportunity available to Pentucket students. As a FIRST Robotics alum, I know first hand what this program means to the students who participate in it, and what they stand to gain from this experience - problem solving skills, communication skills, leadership skills - on top of the engineering skills they are learning from industry professionals. Students graduate not only with a passion for STEAM, but a grown perspective around helping others, an ethical lens with which they can make an impact, and a drive to do their part to better the world.” - Mo Elhelw, Robotics & Engineering Teacher / FRC Lead Coach and Mentor
This year’s robot
Each year the robot will have varying mechanical aspects. The rookie robot is named Neon and it is operated with a drive train system called “swerve”. Swerve-drive is an omnidirectional drive-train as opposed to a typical drive-train that we may find on a car which uses axles. The traditional drivetrain has two wheels that are connected and is also called a tank drive system which can drive forward, backward and side to side - but the wheels operate in a connected manner. In swerve drive all wheels are independently steered and driven which also requires significantly more complex coding. The robot can spin on a spot, drive sideways, diagonally, or at other angles that aren't possible with differential drive.
“We designed and built a mechanism with a unique feature for the robot to lift itself off the ground and climb onto a chain. This is a key part of the end of each match and our design uses a centered hooking mechanism to hook to the chain. We designed independent operating arms to adjust to different heights of the chain, especially as the chain may tilt with another robot on it already.” - Isabelle Engel - 9th Grader
The robot has two main tasks, but even within those there are some variations. To score points, the robot must be able to pick up large foam “Nerf-like” rings called “notes” which are approximately 16 inches in diameter and then shoot them into different receptacles at varying heights and at varying angles.
Most of the competition on the playing floor requires two students to work collaboratively as a drive team, both using X-Box like controllers with one driving the robot and the other controlling the mechanical actions. However, the first portion of each match offers a chance for teams to earn lots of bonus points by having the robot operate autonomously without anyone touching the controllers. This feature requires light sensors and coding to ensure the robot does precisely what it is supposed to. Teams that do this aspect well gain multiple points before they even start driving the robot. At that point - the race is on and these robots weighing nearly 100 lbs. are zooming across the floor in a three minute match, picking items up, firing them at high speeds and even crashing into one another as they speed across the playing surface. This year’s competition is called “Crescendo'' and the final few seconds expect teams to have their robots climb - yes you read that correctly- climb. Using whatever mechanical design the team chooses, the robot is expected to lift itself off the floor and remain suspended above the playing surface hanging from a metal chain. And when robots on the same team can put more than one of them on the same chain, it is an impressive feat and worth even more bonus points at the close of the match.
For the students involved, there is such a variety of opportunities for kids with different interests and skills that it is truly a place for everyone. Throughout much of the year, team members will work on one or more sub teams which helps to divide up the tasks and provide areas of focus for both the students and for the mentors who have specific expertise. Some might be intimidated by the thought of having to write code to make the robot work. But that is just one of the aspects of the work. For those who are interested in that though, it’s a great opportunity to learn more and see how the practical application works. Others may be hesitant to work with industrial machines and power tools but that too is not a requirement for all. Students are shown how to use the equipment safely but also given the chance to try things they otherwise may not have attempted. Things like CAD design and mechanical planning are both focus areas too as is strategy development for how to score points and operate the robot.
“Even as an 8th grader I have been able to work on mechanical aspects, learning from our CAD drawings and mentors. I learned so much about the electrical components, wiring and troubleshooting.” - Padraig Valenti, 8th Grader
There are even opportunities for students less connected to the robotics aspect of the team where they can focus on the graphic design, marketing and promotional aspects of the entire project. Regardless of interest and experience, students can find a place with the Aluminum Panthers.
“It was exciting to see all of the new tools, equipment and technology that we were now going to be able to use. While I sat back and watched other team members build the mechanics of the robot, I have been able to work on programming and be involved with repairs. This entire experience will help me next year as I plan to begin technical post graduate training and work in advanced manufacturing” - Cam Keene- 12th grade student
Mr. Elhelw and the school administration recognize that students are involved with many after school commitments and have varied interests. There are certainly several students who committed countless hours to the team and have fallen in love with the work and projects, while others are just as interested but divide their time among sports, theater, jobs and other activities.
Connection to classes
The robotics team provides a more in depth opportunity for the students who are highly motivated and have connected with the various elements of robotics. However, every good “varsity” team has a youth and feeder system. One of the focus points for the school was to build up learning experiences during the day, starting with our Middle School students and connecting the advanced coursework for high school students to engage with too.
“Pentucket is committed to developing pathways for our students who want to pursue various engineering related careers. With a sequence of classes, including multiple college credit classes, kids can take computer science and coding classes, robotics classes, physics, electrical engineering, and prototype design classes that will all help them see what a future in engineering may look like.” - Pam Endyke, Pentucket Science Department Chair
“As a junior I took AP Computer Science A and this year I took AP Computer Science Principles with Mr. McNamara because I have an interest in studying computer science in college. With the robotics team, this was my first opportunity to have an engaging hands on experience to apply what I have learned using Java to program the robot. Programming the robot was a challenge but with the help of the mentors they guided me to comprehend how to problem solve.” - Logan Pinkham - 12th Grader
Sponsors and Mentors
Like the recent work of NASA to put us back on the moon, partnership with industry is a critical component of the work. The FRC Team is strongly supported by the school district but donations and grants from various local and global companies have helped us get started and will become long time partners. We are very grateful for all of their support and look forward to the opportunities that are ahead. https://sites.google.com/prsd.org/frc9443/home
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 CRESCENDO SEASON SPONSORS!
Crystal Engineering began as a small tooling company in 1956, and has done nothing but grow, progress, and innovate. They currently operate a 26,500 sq. ft. plant filled with the very best machines, tools and technology that money can buy. Crystal Engineering manufactures millions of parts each week for industries such as automotive, medical and aerospace, and has a dedicated team ready to take on your most challenging projects.
Crystal Engineering is a founding sponsor of FRC9443, and their support made our formation possible!
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Pentucket Regional School District supports us in a multitude of ways, ranging from providing us space to supporting our fundraising efforts. Pentucket Regional School District played a key role in forming our team, and we are incredibly fortunate and grateful to have such a supportive school behind us.
NASA's Robotics Alliance Project (RAP) aims to boost enthusiasm for engineering, technology, science, and math among American youth. The project believes that inspiring the next generation is best achieved through robotic competitions, and it actively sponsors FIRST Robotics Competition teams nationwide to support this goal. We are excited to be recipients of the NASA Grant!
Brent Conway
Assistant Superintendent
Pentucket Regional School District
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