GD Robotics Team Gears Up For 2016 Season

GD Robotics Team Gears Up For 2016 Season
Ginger Vollmar, Publicity for the GDRHS Robotics Team

The Groton Dunstable High School Robotics team, fondly known as “The Robotomies”, is gearing up for the 2016 FIRST Robotics “FIRST Stronghold” competitions for 2016.  The team has been meeting since September to get new members acclimated to the team culture and to work on a demo bot.  Last year’s robot was on display at GrotonFest this September where the team did some fundraising.

The kickoff date for this year’s competition is Jan. 9th, 2016.  At this time, the team will be given the details of the challenge for this year and their kit of parts (the same challenge is given to 3000 other high schools internationally who participate in the FIRST Robotics tournaments).  The team then has 6 weeks to build, program and test the robot.  The Stop Build Day is Feb. 23rd, 2016.

The first competition will be held at WPI on March 11th – 13th.  The 2nd competition will be held in Providence, RI on March 24th – 26th.  The competitions are very exciting events and we hope to get more spectators to come out and cheer on the team this year.  More details will be provided as the time gets closer.  You can visit our web site at team1277.org for more information about  the Robotomies or like us on Facebook at  “GD Team 1277”.

The Robotics team depends on team mentors who are volunteers from the community and Mr. Mark  Rocheleau, the Engineering and Technology teacher at the High School.  The team is always looking for more mentors who have experience in machining, engineering, programming, marketing or project management.

All funding for the Robotics team is privately raised as no money from the school budget is allocated for this team.  The Robotomies would like to thank our current sponsors who provide funding for the entrance fees for the FIRST competitions and for materials.  Thank you to: Justin J. Maynard Memorial STEM Innovation Scholarship; The National Defense Education Program; The Society for American Military Engineers; Raytheon; Ted & Connie Lapres Fund; Mercury Systems; and Timothy and Cheryl Battles.   Additional sponsorships are always welcomed and appreciated.

If you have questions or would like to help support the Robotics team, please contact the High School who can put you in touch with our current mentors or students.  Mr. Rocheleau may be reached at mrocheleau@gdrsd.org.