BEST Robotics Inc.

2008-07-31 15:38:52

( Computers )



Background of BEST Robotics Inc.

BEST Robotics Inc. is a non-profit volunteer organization based in Texas. It aims to inspire students to undergo studies and careers in various applied sciences like computer engineering and industrial robotics.

BEST stands for Boosting Engineering Science and Technology, and was started in 1993 by two engineers from Texas Instruments who saw a video of students building a robot. After TI management granted their approval, BEST was formed and had its first competition with 14 schools and over 200 students participating.

Since then, there have been different hubs formed in various parts of Texas. In 1996, BEST formed itself as a non-profit organization. More hubs from neighboring states followed, as far as North Dakota and Florida.

The Main Event in BEST Robotics Inc. Competitions

The whole affair lasts several days because of the number of participants and other activities that take place.

The main event is the robotics competition, where schools compete with each other in designing and building robotic systems. There is only one team per school, but each team can have any number of participants and delegate different tasks to each participant. Thus, some of the team members can build the robot, while others can provide the team logo, logistics, and most of all, moral support.

Six weeks before the actual competition, the teams receive the same kind and quantity of raw materials to build their models. They will have to follow some game rules as to the size, weight and other specifications of their robotic system.

Two teams compete with each other at a time, pitting their robots and striving to control them with remote devices. The team is scored based on their ability to make their robots perform specific tasks. Top scoring teams advance to a championship round.

Other Activities and Awards

Non-robot building contests also take place during the event. Your team can participate in writing a project engineering manual, or in giving presentations and exhibits. Team members are also interviewed by judges during the event, and are given points for team spirit, sportsmanship and overall robotic performance.

The BEST Award is the top prize to be given to the best participating team, based on specific criteria set by BEST Robotics Inc.

Joining BEST Robotics Inc. Competitions

You should locate the hub that is nearest your school. You can contact the Events Director directly through the BEST Robotics Inc. website. You need to sign up before the deadline. Try to sign up early to assure that spaces are still available.

There is no joining fee, but you need to design and come up with team uniforms and logos for your school. You also need to check for other documentary requirements for joining competitions.

Each team needs at least one mentor, preferably one of the teachers from your school. You also need to plan and organize different roles that each member of your team needs to perform.


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