First Robotics High School Teams Present at CapTech

Late August, two local Richmond First Robotics teams, Hanover High Schools Defenders of the Multiverse and Deep Run High School's Team Blue Cheese, visited CapTech to talk about their program and demonstrate some of the robots that they had built.

After a brief video presentation, CapTechers were treated to strafing robots and catapulted kick balls. Students and coaches alike spoke to the educational and team building power of First Robotics and the excitement of the annual competition. Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology, the presenters called it "the hardest fun you'll ever have."

Under strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. These two teams came as ambassadors for the entire region looking for CapTech employees who might be interested in volunteering their talents. Kristin Clemons, Director of Programs for First Robotics Chesapeake, said, "The mentors really make a huge difference in these kids' lives." After the event was finished, half a dozen different CapTechers had signed up to volunteer to help make these local teams possible.

To learn more about First Robotics you can visit their site here: https://www.firstinspires.org