AutomationDirect has supported competitive robotics at the local, regional and national levels for many years. This year, in addition to sponsoring the annual Georgia Robotics Invitational Tournament and Showcase (GRITS) competition, AutomationDirect also provided the very unique trophies awarded to the winners.
GRITS is a one-day event, produced by GeorgiaFIRST Robotics, the arm of US FIRST that promotes FIRST Robotics Competitions (FRC) in Georgia. This year's event, "Ultimate Ascent", took place at the World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, on Oct 5th, 2013.
This year's trophy designs grow to almost twice their starting height with the flip of a toggle-style hand lever pneumatic valve. The cylinders, regulators, valves and fittings used to animate the trophies are all part of the Nitra line of pneumatics offered by AutomationDirect; two dial pressure gauges are from the ProSense family of process control & measurement devices. Each trophy is fitted with an on-board air tank, allowing the trophy to operate 10 to 15 times before being refilled with air. The trophies are topped with the same Frisbee game element used by the robotics teams in this year's competition.
Trophies were awarded to the competition winners (an alliance of three robotics teams), as well as team awards for Spirit and Outreach. But, perhaps the most sought after trophy was awarded to the team that embodied the unique FIRST concept of Coopertition.
According to the FIRST Web site, "Coopertition is displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition. Coopertition is founded on the concept and a philosophy that teams can and should help and cooperate with each other even as they compete."
AutomationDirect hopes that by providing these unique trophies, the teams and students will be inspired not only to compete but also cooperate with and learn from each other, and to display the gracious professionalism that is expected at all FIRST competitions.
GeorgiaFIRST Robotics engages kids in the creative 'hands-on, minds-on" process of technological innovation. Their goal is to get kids excited about science and technology, attend one of our prestigious institutes of higher learning, and upon graduation, stay in Georgia for their careers. By doing this, GeorgiaFIRST is able to "put Georgia first". GeorgiaFIRST is a non-profit organization emphasizing, "Our best resource, our youth, contribute to the growth and sustainability of our innovative work force."
About FIRST Robotics Competitions (FRC):
Considered the "Varsity Sport for the Mind", FIRST Robotics Competitions combine the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand", hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. It's as close to "real-world engineering" as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team.
