District 214 WildStang team invited to regional robotics competition

Nine suburban Chicago high school robotics teams working with professional engineers and scientists have been invited to the FIRST Illinois Robotics Midwest Regional Competition, Thursday, March 31, through Saturday, April 2, at the University of Illinois at Chicago Pavilion.

Local participants are: the WildStang team from Northwest Suburban High School District 214; the Titan Robotics based at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy; Gear It Forward from Oswego; PWNAGE from St. Charles; Order 2 Chaos from Batavia; Huskie Robotics from Naperville North High School; Robovikes from Geneva Community High School; Trident Robotics from Warren Township High School and DevilStorm Robotics from Hinsdale Central High School.

The teams will compete with others from around the nation to solve an engineering design problem. They will design, build and program a 120-pound robot to perform which will compete against a field of competitors in a sport-like event.

Thursday is a practice day for the robots, while Friday and Saturday will be official matches. Teams will participate in 3-on-3 matches leading up to Saturday's elimination rounds, during which two alliances of three teams will vie for the highly coveted title of Midwest Regional Champion.

Teams were given 6½ weeks to build their robots from a standard "Kit of Parts" and a common set of rules.

Raising money, designing a team "brand" and honing teamwork skills - all with limited resources and time constraints - create a life-changing, career-molding experience for students. Students work with mentors throughout the program and rely on collaboration for the success of their robots.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a nonprofit that has spent more than 25 years furthering youth education in science, technology, engineering and math.

For information on FIRST Illinois Robotics, visit www.firstillinoisrobotics.org.