Cybergnomes finish fourth in first test

2013 has been dubbed “The Year of the Gnome” by Clearview Township’s Cybergnomes Robotics Team 2013, the only Robotics Team in Simcoe County.

This past weekend (March 7, 8 and 9) saw the Cybergnomes compete in their first of three robotics competitions this year. The event, held at Oshawa’s University of Ontario Institute of Technology, played host to teams from across North America.

The weekend got off to a shaky start when the team’s 117-pound robot fell from the eight-foot tower it was trying to climb. Undeterred, the team pressed on, making modifications over the next few matches. Focus, hard work and perseverance paid off and the Cybergnomes brought the stadium to its feet as they completed the day’s first climb to the top of the tower in their fifth match.

By the end of the day, the Cybergnomes had achieved the highest number of climb points of any team on the field, won the Delphi Excellence in Engineering Award and captained their alliance of three teams to a top-four finish, ultimately getting knocked out in the semi-finals by an alliance of two former world champion teams.

The team is working hard over March break adjusting strategy, practicing driving and tweaking designs to be ready for their next match in Boston, Massachussets on March 21, 22 and 23. After that, the Cybergnomes compete in Mississauga from March 28 to 20. The games can be viewed live on the Internet at watchfirstnow.com. Just click on “Live” and choose the regional event you want to watch. Matches are broadcast Friday and Saturday from 8:30 am until 5 pm EST. The finals are broadcast Saturday from 1:30 to 5 pm EST.

Learn more at cybergnomes.ca or find the team on Facebook at Cybergnomes Robotics FRC Team 2013.