Texas Torque: Team 1477

We are pleased to announce the creation of a bond proposal by Conroe ISD to fund the construction of multiple robotics centers in the Conroe area. This news brings us one step closer to achieving a new space for the development and advancement of our robotics program. This new proposal will facilitate the growth of many STEM programs in the area, with spaces dedicated to more than just robotics work. Areas for electronic, mechanical, and group conferences have been proposed. With these resources at hand, more people will be able to find a place to explore and discover more about STEM, and will have the opportunity to interact with and observe Texas Torque’s robotics laboratory environment firsthand.

Bond Details

Voting Details

The Texas Robotics Invitational (TRI), hosted by team 3847 (Team Spectrum), occurred at Spectrum’s own Strake Jesuit High School on Saturday, June 20th. Texas Torque competed alongside numerous teams at this event, which served as a fresh, non-intensive place for teams new and old alike to compete in an official FIRST environment. During elimination matches, Torque allianced with teams 3335 (the Cy-Ranch Cy-Borgs) and team 3587 (the AwtyBots). Torque was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

The next event Torque participated in was the Texas Robot Round-up (TRR), hosted by team 2158 (the ausTIN CANs), and team 2881 (the Lady Cans) on July 31st in Austin. In this event, Torque allianced with team 4587 (Jersey Voltage) and the Lady Cans. Torque was once again eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Both of these events gave valuable practice time for Torque’s driveteam. The atmosphere gave an added element of realism to the event, letting all members feel the experience of a full-fledged season event. In addition, the presence of many robotics teams at one location allowed for members to explore interactions between various members, and learn the procedures and intricacies of a robotics team.

Coming up, on the 24th of October, Team 1477 Texas Torque and Team 624 CRyptonite will co-host the 2015 Robot Remix at Oak Ridge High School in Conroe, Texas. In this event, teams will be able to refurbish last season’s bots and compete with them a second time in a local, competitive FIRST-emulating competition. Traditionally, numerous teams from far across the area come down to compete in a friendly, productive atmosphere and test their skills again. Last year, over 30 teams came down, some from as far as Illinois, to join the competition.

The Remix is a 100% free event, and all people, attendees, enthusiasts, or curious individuals can join in the fun, whether it be watching from the stands or touring the pit areas. Many people find a passion for robotics from observing the community firsthand, and there is no better local spot than the 2015 Remix.

For more information, contact us at [email protected] or our lead mentor, Scott Rippetoe, at [email protected].

Thanks, and we hope to see everyone there!

Two weeks ago on Tuesday, July 21st, Texas Torque demonstrated our 2013 World Champion robot, Sonic, at the College Park Primrose. Kids were thrilled when they saw the robot and immediately brought up topics like Legos and Battlebots. Besides just our team members talking about the FIRST program and showing off the cool robot, the kids themselves were able to try operating and feeding frisbees into the robot. The young children were so excited by the demo they even approached team members for information on how to join FLL teams, and came up with creative Lego robot designs and projects.

Interestingly, this was the first time where our toolbox became one of the focuses of the demonstration. Kids crowded around the toolbox to check out all of the neat allen keys, wrenches, screwdrivers, and more.

Similar to last summer, Texas Torque was overjoyed to demonstrate at Primrose. Introducing children to STEM, and seeing their excited faces has been the pride and joy of Texas Torque. We will continue to aim higher, and create a larger impact in our community.

As the month of May drew to a close, Texas Torque went to an event (Sound by the Shore) at nearby Northshore Park to demonstrate our robot Apogee. At the event, we were able to see many people who were amazed by both the robot and our student-driven organization. Members allowed kids to operate the robot for an entire simulated match. The team was happy to teach the importance of STEM while the children at the event had fun operating the robot.

Texas Torque had yet another very successful demo at Comicpalooza, which was held at the George R. Brown Convention Center this past weekend. Our team managed to handle the problems that arose well, and Apogee was running like new.

On Saturday, Apogee performed well for interested spectators, helping the team captivate the crowd. Some members of Texas Torque and other teams played a casual game of laser tag, demonstrating that robotics kids can have lots of fun while they work. Between speaking about FIRST, operating the robot, and fetching flying discs, a few members of Texas Torque and the Robonauts had a game of Mech Corps, with Torque ultimately coming out on top while the others easily kept the robot running smoothly. At the end of Day 2, Comicpalooza seemed to be too much excitement for Apogee and it refused to run. However, that didn’t stop us; we continued to work with other teams to continue the show.

Throughout two days of demonstration, Texas Torque didn’t just show off an impressive robot; we showed the amazing teamwork it takes to build such a robot, passion in spreading FIRST to a broader community, and the ability to create friendships with other team members outside of Torque, whether through playing laser tag with the Disco Bots, Mech Corps with the Robonauts, or catching flying discs with Spectrum. Torque also advanced within itself, letting members who didn’t have experience driving or operating the robot try their hand at controlling the robot and actually showing promising potential for the future drive team, ready to fight for a chance at going to Champs.