A local robotics club is gearing up for another season after undergoing some recent changes.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Royal Thunder Robotics has shifted its focus to compete in FIRST Tech Challenges rather than the more expensive FIRST Robotics Competition.
Lead Mentor Jeff Laucke said the tech challenge still allows students the opportunity to build medium-sized robots with motors and sensors, but they won't need to fundraise as much money in order to compete. He said the team lost sponsorship once the pandemic hit.
The first tech challenge they competed in was held virtually so Laucke said it was difficult to keep kids motivated.
"This year, we went to some tournaments, one in Bolton and one in Windsor, and as soon as they got to see all of the other teams, meet kids who were doing what they were doing... now they're all excited," he said.
Laucke said the team, composed of Grade 7 and 8 students, placed fifth overall at the Windsor Regional Competition, and walked away with the Motivate Award during the competition in Bolton.
Although the tech challenge isn't released to teams until September, Laucke said they'll start a new season this week.
"We also do off-season [training] where they're still learning," he said. "This year, we're trying to learn to use cameras to do some remote stuff, as well as some sensors [and] some extra coding, just so that when they get into the season, they [can] hit the ground running."
Laucke said competitions usually take place during the winter months.
Those interested in joining the team can email frc8113@gmail.com.
"Usually what happens is we'll have kids come out to a meeting, see what happens, meet the kids on the team, see if they really are interested -- if it's for them, and if they are interested, then we pretty much welcome them to the world of robotics," he said.
Laucke said Royal Thunder Robotics is a community-based team but members should be at least in Grade 7 to compete in FIRST Tech Challenges.
The local robotics team has been competing since 2005.
