Highlands Ranch STEM School’s Mitochondria Biotech robotics team recently showcased their ingenuity and teamwork at a regional BEST Robotics competition. The team, composed of Toby Mann and 22 other talented students, spent eight weeks preparing for the event, which focused on promoting STEM education and fostering skills like communication, creativity, and community involvement.
The competition, aptly named “Incision Decision,” simulated minimally invasive surgery through a training platform. Mitochondria Biotech’s robot, representing a nanobot navigating the human bloodstream, faced challenges while attempting to perform nanorobotic vein harvesting and coronary artery bypass procedures. Despite encountering difficulties in picking up vein sections, the team impressed with their innovative design and determination.
UCHealth, one of the sponsors of the competition, recognized the potential of Highlands Ranch STEM School’s Mitochondria Biotech. Tomas Estrella, a brand innovation strategist at UCHealth, emphasized the importance of supporting the younger generation as they will play a crucial role in the healthcare industry’s future.
Mitochondria Biotech also collaborated with UCHealth for the event, showcasing their work at an impressive exhibit. The team raised approximately $11,000 through sponsorships and fundraisers to cover their expenses. Their booth featured a life-size version of the classic Operation game, highlighting the challenges surgeons face without the aid of nanobots. Additionally, custom-coded video displays and interactive demonstrations described the robot’s functions during microsurgeries.
During the competition, Mitochondria Biotech’s robot competed against bots from five other schools, including Highlands Ranch STEM School’s middle school team. Despite placing fourth in the coronary bypass category, the team’s spirit and enthusiasm were evident throughout the event. Their dedication and creativity resulted in a valuable learning experience for all the team members.
Highlands Ranch STEM School’s Mitochondria Biotech is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and perseverance in the field of robotics. They continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of talented STEM students.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the BEST Robotics competition?
The purpose of the BEST Robotics competition is to promote STEM education among middle school and high school students while emphasizing teamwork, communication, creativity, community involvement, and fun.
2. How did Mitochondria Biotech prepare for the competition?
Mitochondria Biotech, a team from Highlands Ranch STEM School, spent eight weeks preparing for the competition. They worked tirelessly to design and build a robot capable of performing nanorobotic vein harvesting and coronary artery bypass procedures.
3. What was the role of UCHealth in the competition?
UCHealth, one of the sponsors of the competition, provided funding for Mitochondria Biotech’s exhibition booth. They aimed to support the younger generation and their future contributions to the healthcare industry.
4. What were some highlights of Mitochondria Biotech’s exhibit?
Mitochondria Biotech’s exhibit featured interactive displays, including a life-size version of the Operation game. They also presented custom-coded videos and demonstrations to showcase their robot’s functions during microsurgeries.
5. How did Mitochondria Biotech perform in the competition?
Mitochondria Biotech faced challenges during the competition, but their resilience and innovative design impressed the judges. They secured fourth place in the coronary bypass category, demonstrating their commitment to learning and improvement.