Construction

Things are still moving apace.  The drive train is together, the electronics done, we have begun setting up the pneumatics and the physical arm is under construction.  With two more days we should be finished with the prototype and started on the real "bot" for this year's competition.

                                                    Stephen Kew-Goodale
                                                    Executive Director
                                                    The Weatherly Institute for Robotics and Engineering

Mentoring

Our "Prototype" continues to evolve.  We hope to be nearly finished by the end of this week.  The electronics are being done by Thomas Russell and Tom Kew-Goodale.  This is the scenario that I had envisioned when starting this program.  Thomas Russell is a graduate of the program and now is an Engineering Student with Penn State.  He is teaching a Sophomore the tricks that he learned over three years at FIRST.  The ideal Mentorship scenario.

                                                    Stephen Kew-Goodale
                                                    Executive Director
                                                    The Weatherly Institute for Robotics and Engineering

Prototype

We are now two weeks into the competition and our prototype is taking shape quite nicely.  I told the team that I wanted something different this year and so far they have surprised me in their design and togetherness.  It seems too smooth!

                                                    Stephen Kew-Goodale
                                                    Executive Director
                                                    The Weatherly Institute for Robotics and Engineering

2008 Game

I had my robotics class watch the Live NASA feed in the lab as our team participated in Upper Darby.  I am pleased by the change in tactics in this year's game.  The lack of defensive play, allows our kids to concentrate more on the tasks at hand.   Hopefully the new twist in technology will provide an incentive for them to develop a more complex robotics system.  I am also encourage by the fact that one of my key team members who graduated in June of 2007, has decided to come back to the team to help mentor this year's event.  So welcome back Thomas Russell!

                                                    Stephen Kew-Goodale
                                                    Executive Director
                                                    The Weatherly Institute for Robotics and Engineering

Kick-Off

Well I have just seen two members of the high school team off to the Upper Darby High School "Kick Off" event.  Once again, I am unable to attend due to a prior teaching engagement at Montgomery County Community College.  I will try to see the webcast of the event in class. As I often do when faced with multiple commitments, I can't help but wonder if I am letting my team down.  I know that I have to bring in the income to keep the Institute up and running, but it is a real conflict.  Still, I have faith in my young people, and I hope for a solid FRC season ahead.

                                                    Stephen Kew-Goodale
                                                    Executive Director
                                                    The Weatherly Instiutute for Robotics and Engineering