This past weekend marked a significant milestone for the South Jersey Innovation Center’s (SJIC) VEX robotics team, the Innovators. They competed in their first ever VEX Robotics competition at Monroe Township High School!
For some context,VEX Robotics is the next step up from LEGO Mindstorms. VEX uses similar base components, such as a codeable “brain” and motors, however, the structure and uses are more advanced. While LEGO Mindstorms are as easy to put together as any other LEGO kit, VEX structure parts require the use of screws and bolts to hold it together–meaning creating the structure is more complicated. In addition, the tasks the VEX team needs to complete are more difficult and sometimes require more advanced mechanical principles, such as a belt drive.
Now, back to the competition. The event saw the participation of 34 middle and high school teams. Of the 6 Innovators that attended, 4 of them were builders and 2 were programmers.
Throughout the event, the Innovators engaged in six qualifying matches. They concluded the qualifying rounds in 15th place with a record of 3-3.
The SJIC is incredibly proud of the Innovators consistent dedication to this competition in the last few months. Matthew Olivo, the robotics team coach, reflected that though “they unfortunately lost in the first seed of the elimination bracket, I’m still overjoyed with their performance at their first ever competition.” The team is walking away prepared to tackle the next season and shoot for their next goal: New Jersey State Competition!
The SJIC offers STEAM instruction (including financial literacy, 3D printing, and chess), for kids looking for fun and growth. Register here for the SJIC’s late winter classes.
