Cinco Ranch HS Robotics Team Showcase’s Robot Basketball Skills at Toyota Center
Cinco Ranch High School’s FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Team 624 (“CRyptonite”) showcased their robot’s basketball shooting and mobility skills at the Toyota Center in downtown Houston prior to the Houston Rockets NBA basketball game on December 22. Based on their robot’s performance in last season’s “Rebound Rumble” competition at the Lone Star Regional Robotics Tournament, Team 624 was chosen by the Rockets organization, along with Clear Lake ISD’s Team118, for this first-time event.
As several students put the two robots through their paces in the central courtyard of the Toyota Center, others answered questions and explained to Rockets fans how the FIRST organization uses robotics competitions to help students discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology by solving real-world engineering problems. A representative of FIRST robotics was also on hand to answer questions.
Designed and built by Team 624 and Team 118 students with the help of adult mentors, the 120 lb. basketball-shooting robots drew a crowd of appreciative Rockets fans, who watched as the two remote-controlled robots wheeled about the makeshift court and shot baskets. The team’s students explained how the robot’s targeting, shooting and drive systems work, and how a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC®) team functions.
“Everyone had a great time,” said David Herzfeld, Cinco Ranch High School Robotics Booster Club President. “We want to thank the Rockets for giving Team 624 students the opportunity to show Rockets fans what their robot can do, and how FIRST robotics has introduced them to hands-on application of science, technology, engineering and math concepts.”
After the robot demo, a group over 60 Team 624 members and their families enjoyed watching the Rockets defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 121 – 96.
