Anderson robotics competition team: ‘It’s not BattleBots’ – Cincinnati.com

Members of 7 Sigma FTC 10030 demonstrate the functionality of the robot used for last season's competition.(Photo: The Enquirer/Sheila Vilvens)Buy Photo

Austin Motz fondly remembers summer camps at iSpace in Sharonville.

There, as an elementary school and middle school student, he learned the art of LEGO engineering incorporating motors and computer coding. He also learned aboutvideo game design,robotics and more. These experiences fed his passion for the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

It was there he was introduced to FIRST Tech Challenge(FTC) teams of students learning about real world applications of STEM through robotics competitions and expos. Motzs STEM interest and talents landed him a spot on a robotics competition team out of West Chester.

Before long his dad, Martin Motz, became a team coach and 7 Sigma Robotics FTC10030 was formed. Team members areAustin and Andrew Motz, John Mays, Jackson Todd, Zach Rana, Rohan Rindni, Tassos Manganaris, Lauren Perozek and Nick Norton all of Anderson Township.

Now a Turpin High School student and a robotics competition champion, Motz and his 7 Sigma teammates are focused on educating others about the activitythey love. Last season 7 Sigma earned the PresidentsSilver Volunteer Service Award in recognition of the 550 plus hours of community service.

Were the only team at state to win this recognition, team member Jackson Todd said.

It wasnt their only award that year. In fact, they brought home several prestigious titles and qualified for state competition at multiple contests. But the volunteer award was one they hold special.

The robot used by 7 Sigma FTC 10030 of Anderson Township for competition last season.(Photo: Provided)

Providing motivation and generating an interest in robotics, thats the driving force behind the teams mission, Todd said.

A lot of people have no idea about the FTC or that theres even such a thing as competitive robotics, Tassos Manganaris said.

Were trying to make it more widely known, he said. So when people hear robotics competition the first thing that comes to mind isnt BattleBots, he said.

Key to this is getting into the schools, especially the elementary schools, and talking to students, Todd said.

Most of their outreach and community service efforts last year were at iSpace, a popular field trip and summer camp destination with a focus on inspiring and expanding students STEM knowledge.

Individually and as a team, 7 Sigma members have many interests. The top interest, however, is the FTC competition. The competition season begins in the fall with teams receiving a problem to solve and a box of parts, motors, sensors and gears. From that, they are to design, build and program a robot to take on various tasks on a court or game table.

This is a perfect match to the iSpace mission of getting children interested in STEM and STEM careers at an early age, iSpace Executive Director Sue Williams said. The volunteer efforts of 7 Sigma are encouraged.As a nonprofit, volunteers are critical to controlling costs.

Plus, she said, I think the kids love learning from older kids. And they can articulate what they did with (their STEM learning)."

The 7 Sigma team members make it "cool" to be involved in STEM, Williams said.

This spring and summer, the members of 7 Sigma remain committed to iSpace but are also expanding efforts to introduce robotics competition to younger students. Look for them to return to Anderson Days this summer with their robot and a willingness to talk about their experiences. They are also partnering with several Forest Hills schools to introduce STEM and robotics competition to other students.

What theyre doing is right in line with the FTC expectations, FTC Ohio Affiliate Partner Lori McAlister.

They did admirably in competition this past year making it to the state tournament, she said. They made it to the finals. Its a very competitive sport. Last year there were 100 teams in Ohio and 32 go to state. Only five advance to nationals. In its first year of competition 7 Sigma was in the top 1 percent of teams going all the way to nationals - a feat they hope to repeat.

This season they are focusing on innovation and design skills that might help them to achieve this goal.Until then, the teams focus remains on outreach.

To learn more about 7 Sigma and robotics competition, email themat 7sigmarobotics@gmail.com

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Anderson robotics competition team: 'It's not BattleBots' - Cincinnati.com