Robot 1184 is a long way from the complex machines depicted in Isaac Asimov?s classic Robot novels. But given that 1184 was completely designed and built by Harford Technical High School students, it is an achievement all the same.
In March of this year, the creation of Harford Tech?s Cobra Robotics team ? led by Harford Tech teachers Jimmie Shumate and Peter Ross ? took first place in a three-team alliance at the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology Chesapeake Regional robotics competition in Annapolis.
With the school year nearly half over, Cobra Robotics is gearing up for the next season of robotics competition.
“This is not a school-funded program, and we have the students do all of the work,” Ross said.
Unlike other schools, which have their robots designed by professional engineers, Cobra Robotics designs and builds its own competitors, Ross said.
“We make everything ourselves,” said Alex Morgan, a 12th-grade member of Cobra Robotics.
As the new season approaches, Cobra Robotics is waiting to hear what this year?s challenge will be for robot builders. Last year, students were tasked to build a robot that could collect and/or throw a ball to compete in a game of points.
Using a conveyor system, 1184 would roll over balls, and place them in a dispenser, which would then unload the balls into a goal on the competition field.
In addition, students are looking to raise about $30,000 from local businesses to support them throughout the season.
The Cobra Robotics team has raised about $10,000 so far, Shumate said ? enough to pay for the supplies for their robot, whatever it may be ? but the team still needs money for travel and lodging expenses.
“The first Saturday in January, we will get our parts,” Shumate said, and then students will work on the project after school and on “most Saturdays” to get the robot completed in six weeks.
“I like the machining [part of the project],” said 17-year-old Harford Tech Junior Nick Clark.
Clark said he hopes to take the skills he has learned as a member of the Cobra Robotics team into a career as a machinist ? possibly with the military.
Businesses interesting in supporting Cobra Robotics this season are encouraged to contact Ross or Shumate at Harford Technical High School at 410-638-3804.
