The Green Machine was live at the Minnesota State Fair, demonstrating the capabilities of its 2008 competition robot, “Zerkit,” in the Education Building August 26-27, and September 1. There, visitors got a taste of the excitement of FIRST as Team 1816 drove Zerkit in a mini-competition against Team 2532-The Rangers of Forest Lake. In each of the two demonstrations that took place throughout the day, teams were allowed five chances to score points in a timed obstacle course incorporating elements from the 2008 FIRST Overdrive challenge. Teams had to navigate robots through an obstacle course, perform several tight parking maneuvers, as well pick up, herd, and even hurdle the giant track-balls over a full size overpass.
Zerkit successfully navigated the course while herding, hurdling, and placing track balls, all in front of a large, appreciative audience. Consistently scoring in the 60s and 70s, the team set the high mark for the fair during their runs on August 26 and August 27, earning the two highest scores of the competition — at 79 and an 84 — with Matt H. and Dan P. operating the controls. These high scores qualified the team for a return appearance to the fair on Labor Day to compete in the grand finale. On that last day of the Fair, Zerkit continued its stellar performance, taking home the trophy for the best performing robot. In addition to this honor, the team also was awarded a second-place ribbon for the robot’s design.
The large audiences present during the two daily demonstrations turned into a perfect opportunity for outreach about FIRST, and team members not working the robot’s controls worked hard handing out FIRST“information-on-a-stick” and brochures. The excitement generated at the exhibit also proved attractive to several media outlets, including KSTP Channel 5, KARE 11, Minnesota Public Radio, and the Pioneer Press, all of which provided some coverage of robotics at the fair. In fact, the FIRST Robotics demonstrations were so popular, next year may bring about a larger playing field (or two), as well as bleacher seating to allow more people an opportunity to see what FIRST Robotics is all about. A huge thanks to all the Minnesota teams, mentors, adult volunteers and State Fair organizers that helped make this event possible, and we hope to see everyone again next year at the fair!