MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)- High school students around the world — including teams from all 11 high schools are in Horry County for this year’s FIRST Robotics Challenge.
The 2015 game is called Recycle Rush and requires students to build robots from scratch to accomplish the game’s objectives. The Palmetto Regional FIRST Robotics Competition is February 27 and 28 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
It’s one of the largest regionals with 66 teams including teams from all Horry County High Schools and for those that participate; it’s an opportunity to learn from teams all over.
“I’m excited to see how we do, excited to see how it works and my favorite thing it to meet the other people. Get some great ideas for next year. Last year was our first year and it was a huge learning curb for us so I’m kind of excited to see us go out and compete you know just put on a good performance,” North Myrtle Beach mentor Ross Grall said.
Thursday was “robot inspection day” and practice, when teams try out the playing field. The competition runs all day Friday and Saturday, concluding with the fast-paced finals. The teams had only six weeks to build their robots, with no instructions. Their school coaches and local mentors did help in designing and building a robot to complete the Recycle Rush challenge.
Students apply the skills they learn inside the classroom to be successful during the competition.
“I decided to do robotics as a chance to be more hands on because I’m one of the students who I like being able to look it up on the internet but I also want to be able to work in class with other students,” NMBHS Student Gabrielle Kirby said.
“Well, I’m pursuing an engineering degree at duke so I really came in here to get a foothold so on some engineering aspects and some techniques to help me when I go to duke,” Aynor High School senior Austin Windham said.
Doors open up at 8am each day for the competition.
