The Advanced Competitive Robotics students traveled to Westmorland County Community College on Wednesday, March 9th, to represent the Marion Center Robotics Program.

Bots IQ is a hands-on STEM program that allows student teams to partner with industry professionals and experience the entire process of engineering and manufacturing a 15-pound robot, including Computer-Aided Design, fabrication, machining, welding, and electrical engineering. Once the Bot is complete, students test out their creations in Bots IQ’s gladiator-style competitions.

And that is just what they did! It was the first time a team from Marion Center had ever competed at this competition and it was an experience unlike any other. There were 2 teams from Marion Center represented. The team of Paul Smith, J.J. Ferraro, Tucker Penrose, Ryan Dicken, and Mackenzie Thomas competed with their Bot, “Heisenberg” and the team of Daniel Waltermiere, Nathan Druschel, Randell Smith, and Chase Koaches competed with their bot, “Solaire of Astora”.

“It was a productive day, and I was able to learn how to improve my bot and get assistance from other teams,” says Nathan Druschel, “Because we were allowed to make props and mascot, I made a shield  for the team.”

“The teams were very cooperative with each other and friendly, even though it was a competition. ” A.J. Lynn told the Stinger News.

Other teams quickly helped those in need, and the Marion Center teams appreciated that greatly. Most of the team members come from athletic backgrounds and seeing such convivial competitors took them by surprise.

“Being able to meet and learn from other competitors was definitely the best part of the day”  said J.J. Ferarro.

The teams had a slightly tricky time toward the beginning of the day, having some issues with their motor controllers, but not long after, they were in the arena competing. The teams will be back in action to compete in April for the Bots IQ Combat Robotics Finals.