On this cold winter morning of January 3rd, 2009, members and mentors of Upper Darby High School's Robotic & Engineering Team proudly hosted; "FIRST's Robotics Competition (FRC) - Philadelphia Alliance Local Kick-Off" for the 7th year. This was held in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at Upper Darby High School. For the past ten years, the first Saturday in January has been reserved for Kick-Off and is one of the most anticipated events on Royal Assault ?s calendar.
This is the beginning of a new season where all teams begin with the same materials provided to them in their kit of parts. We experience all the firsts of the new year and new game with teams from our region that may be our competitors in future regional events held worldwide. UDHS Robotics & Engineering team will be competing at the Washington DC Regional event February 26 through February 28 and the Philadelphia Regional Event March 19 through March 21.
This year 40 plus teams joined us to celebrate this exciting day; the day where FIRST introduces the new game for the FIRST Robotics Competition. Team 357 provided a continental breakfast while waiting for the show to begin.
After breakfast, team members were called in to the PAC to begin. With close to 1000 people in attendance, Mr. Joe Troy started with his usual introductions and special speaker who this year included National Instruments Software Engineer, Stephen Barrett, who spoke to the group about his NI experience and being a former FIRST-er.
Once Mr. Barrett finished speaking, it was time for the web-cast from Manchester, NH to many “satellite” sites throughout the world including Upper Darby’s. After listening to founder Dean Kaman and many other FIRST representatives, it was time to introduce the 2009 game by hearing the anticipated words “Now let’s see the new game!” This is the moment that everyone in the PAC had gathered for. As exciting as this moment is, every person in the PAC was silent, listening to every detail of the new game, LUNACY. After the game introduction a few closing remarks concluding with “Good Luck, and we’ll see you at the competition!!” the lights in the auditorium were raised and teams proceeded down to the stage to view our mock-up of the unique field.
Teams had a variety of workshops to attend covering topics from Lab View to the new control system from noon to 1pm. Some teams opted to pick up the 2009 Kit of Parts that came from FIRST headquarters and return home to begin the 2009 build season.
All in all, this year’s kick-off was a huge success. Once all the teams had gone, members of Royal Assault met to discuss and dissect this years’ game, and begin the
design process for Jester X 2009.
Article by Tim McGovern
Posted on 2009-03-14
