A group of talented Christian home-schooled students from the North Hills is preparing to showcase their skills at a prestigious robotics competition next month. The students, who are part of the Family Instructors of the Northern Suburbs (FINS) Robotics Team, have secured their spot in the BOOST — Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology — Robotics Regional Competition for the second year in a row.
The BEST Robotics Regional Competition, organized by the national nonprofit BEST Robotics, brings together top teams from six states including Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Ohio, South Dakota, and Pennsylvania. The competition challenges students to design and build a robot that can successfully complete a series of simulated, minimally invasive surgeries within a three-minute time frame. This year’s theme, “Incisions Decision,” centers around surgical procedures and requires teams to create a custom robot capable of performing up to 10 procedures.
The FINS robotics team, known for their dedication and commitment, has been hard at work preparing for the competition. Their robot, aptly named “SLICE” (Saving Lives In Critical Environments), has been meticulously programmed to perform procedures such as brain biopsy, cardiac valve repair, pacemaker electrode connection, and more.
The competition not only tests the technical skills of the students but also emphasizes the importance of teamwork. Max Tame, a 15-year-old participant, highlighted the valuable lesson of collaboration and the power of working together as a team. He expressed how each team member brings unique skills and ideas to the table, creating a more powerful collective force.
Last year, the FINS team achieved remarkable success at the national BEST competition, taking home several awards, including second place overall and first place in marketing presentation. This year, they are determined to outdo themselves and showcase their growth and abilities.
The students have been receiving extensive training since August and have formed specialized sub-groups to tackle different aspects of the competition. Their coach, Cassidy Altland, emphasized the importance of leveraging last year’s experience to build confidence and enhance their chances of success.
The FINS Robotics Team continues to impress with their dedication, passion, and innovation. As they head to the national competition in Denver next month, they are set to showcase their exceptional talent and demonstrate why they are a force to be reckoned with in the robotics world.
**FAQ**
**1. What is the BOOST Robotics Regional Competition?**
The BOOST Robotics Regional Competition is an annual competition organized by the national nonprofit BEST Robotics. It brings together top robotics teams from various states to showcase their skills and compete in a series of challenges.
**2. How does the competition work?**
The competition requires students to design and build a robot that can perform a specific set of challenges. This year’s theme is centered around surgical procedures, where teams are tasked with creating a custom robot capable of performing simulated, minimally invasive surgeries.
**3. What awards did the FINS Robotics Team win at last year’s competition?**
Last year, the FINS Robotics Team achieved impressive success at the national BEST competition. They won several awards, including second place overall, first place in marketing presentation, second place in the T-shirt design competition, and ninth place in the nation for team exhibit.
**4. How has teamwork played a role in the FINS Robotics Team’s success?**
Teamwork has been a crucial factor in the FINS Robotics Team’s success. The students have learned the importance of collaboration and leveraging each other’s skills and expertise to excel in different aspects of the competition. They have recognized that working together as a team makes them stronger collectively.
**5. What procedures has the FINS team programmed their robot, SLICE, to perform?**
SLICE, the FINS team’s custom robot, has been programmed to perform procedures such as brain biopsy, cardiac valve repair, pacemaker electrode connection, heart ablation, coronary artery bypass, arterial plaque removal, angioplasty and stent insertion, vein harvesting, and internal hemorrhaging damage control