Bobcat robotics prepping for first competition

The Hot Springs County High School Robotics teams have been busy with designing and developing their creations, with their first competition — a scrimmage hosted here — coming up on Nov. 10.

Teacher London Jenks said the competition this year is utilizing cubes representing gold and whiffle balls representing silver. These “minerals” are placed in the corners of the arena, known as craters. Jenks noted there are substantial ramps to get inside the craters.

But getting to the minerals is just a small part of the competition. Robots initially begin attached to a lander in the middle of the arena and have to hang from the lander before competition starts. They then have to detach, collect minerals then hold them at the lander for a certain amount of time, then re-attach to the lander.

Jenks added there is also an increased requirement for camera use on the robots for navigation, particularly in the autonomous phase of competition.

There are about 15 students working on the robots regularly. Once again, there will be two teams from Hot Springs County competing — Aluminati, No. 4273 and Fist Full of Axles, No. 7283. Jenks said juniors and seniors are on Aluminati and freshmen and sophomores are on Fist Full. Both teams have been putting in good time and are making good progress, Jenks said, and he appreciates the support from community sponsors.