The Watervliet Pantron-X robotics team is working hard and building their robot that will compete in this year’s competition season with the theme of Reefscape. The team has been working hard to create their robot that has to remove all of the algae from the platform, climb a cage, and be able to place the coral back on the platform. Their overall goal for the season is to win one of the districts and be able to head to state competition and even make it to the world championships.
Last year the team was able to interview at the state competition for FIRST Robotics. For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) is a not-for-profit international youth organization that operates the FIRST Robotics Competition. Watervliet’s team won the Rookie All Star award at state last year which was their ticket to the April 2024 world championship held in Texas. The collaboration with the CW Tech Robotarians helped make the transportation to worlds possible for Pantron-X.
The team has to learn everything from coding to teamwork and communication skills. Not only do they learn how to build a robot they also learn about marketing and business. The kids have made buttons and earrings to hand out at competitions to spread the word about the team and have done STEM activities with young five students to promote STEM programs.