iHOT Robotics
The iHOT Robotics team is off and running and getting ready for the FIRST competitions in 2006. The school’s team has brought home two national awards as best rookie team (2004) and for best animation (2005). The prizes are great, but it is the love of the experience of constructing a robot and problem-solving under pressure that motivates the team.
Team leaders Santiago Cadavid, Grade 12, and Adrien Pellerin, Grade 9, have had the happy task of inaugurating a new facility for the Robotics team. Formerly in a small classroom on the lower level in the school, they now have a very spacious trailer near the athletic field. The new room houses equipment and provides meeting and storage space that is sorely needed. Under the guidance of Jean Millkey and team mentors, the students are preparing for the next competition.
In keeping with the vision statement "powered by people all over the world", the animation, engineering, web, public relations, finance and programming sub-teams collaborate toward the team’s goal. iHOT has a vision of a world where people from many nations work together and where technology helps to improve lives. This was mirrored in the “Robots Save Lives” project last year, which aimed at helping to support the movement against landmines.
The group has already participated in WorldFest, where the iHOT wheels racing challenge featured remote control cars. Team members Santiago Cadavid and Joost ten Lohuis built the racetrack from scratch. The booth was quite popular with the younger crowd. Several kids went home with great prizes. The public relations team under Giselle Dutcher is looking into spirit gear to sell and give away during the FIRST competition. We hope the community will purchase t-shirts, buttons and other items in the spring.
The iHOT 1414 team has already registered new members for the year, but any student, parent or organization who would like to support our efforts is welcome. As the Web site says: There are many ways in which you can support the iHOT team and the AIS community. You can:
- Volunteer time as a mentor
- Donate resources, money, or equipment
- Purchase iHOT merchandise
- Attend iHOT events
- And most importantly, you can spread the word about iHOT.