By Jennifer Herta, Robotics Teacher/Computer Science Chair
Lakehill Preparatory School
It is now almost cliche to say “computers are everywhere.” But what might not be as readily noticed are the numerous computer-connected devices that can be set to complete tasks autonomously. Internet-connected lights, locks, and air conditioning can run routines that you prescribe. Once only dreamed of in The Jetsons, an iteration of Rosie the Robot Maid exists in the form of robot vacuum cleaners. Autonomous cars are being tested on our roads. Recently, engineers at Google created an AI that could beat the top Go players in the world–a feat thought impossible a few years ago (check out the documentary AlphaGo, it’s a treat!). In the film Jurassic Park, the raptors’ ability to open doors is shown as a leap of intelligence. Boston Dynamics recently achieved this seemingly simple but quite difficult feat by creating a robot that can open doors. Artificial intelligence is a field with much buzz surrounding it.
In a world where the existence of robots and AI will continue to become routine, the students of Lakehill can benefit from the exploration of these fields by incorporating robotics into their studies. For this reason, we have started our inaugural year of Lakehill Robotics by competing in FIRST Robotics First Tech Challenge. I chose FIRST because it is an organization that not only fosters students’ appreciation and abilities in STEAM fields, but also fosters a sense of ethical responsibility–which is quite important when determining the trajectory of future AI and robotics technologies. FIRST subscribes to two trademark philosophies. The first is Gracious Professionalism®, which entails the idea that “fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions.” Second is Coopertition®, which is a portmanteau of cooperation and competition. Yes, we will compete fiercely, but we will help each learn and grow along the way.
We recently attended our first kick-off event for FTC Robotics. The event revealed the details of this year’s theme: Rover Ruckus. Each year’s theme has some real-world correlation. This year, our intrepid explorers will be tasked with creating a Mars rover that will launch from the lander and collect samples of gold and silver unobtanium. At the event, the students were a bit intimidated by the fervor of their competitors–but I am certain with a few “wins” overcoming the obstacles of creating our robot, they too will have that same level of excitement. In addition to the STEAM concepts the students will learn, the most important lessons will involve teamwork, problem solving, and grit. It is imperative for our students to learn how to experiment, fail, and persevere. I look forward to learning these important lessons with my students this year in FTC Robotics.
