By Lara Fernandes ‘18
Team 1967, the Janksters, were at San Jose State University last weekend for the Silicon Valley Regional FIRST Robotics STEAMWORKS competition. They competed with their robot, Pepper Ann, which was constructed with a quick and agile two-speed chassis, a mechanism to store and deposit fuel into the low goal, a mechanism to store and deposit gears and a climbing mechanism. The Janksters had four main goals they wanted their team to meet: 1) to have a quick and agile robot, 2) to score four to six gears per match, 3) to passively collect and score fuel, and 4) to climb the rope at the end of every match.
During the the competition, quick and efficient solutions were made both on and off the field. Pepper Ann was out on the field for two practice matches and did not tip over during any of the qualification matches. The robot successfully delivered gears and scaled during most matches. At the end of qualification matches, the Janksters were ranked 31st out of 64 competing teams, with teams from as far away as China and Turkey.
Silicon Valley Regional was also a time for the Janksters to exhibit their spirit and enthusiasm to help others. The team could be heard cheering from the stands, encouraging their drive teams during matches and waving their pom-poms with gusto. The Janksters also handed out gifts to other teams which included a guide to downtown San Jose, a map of safety supplies and instructions for the Hidden Figures of STEAMpunk Scavenger hunt. Over the build season, the Janksters highlighted many women who significantly contributed to STEM fields during the Victorian Era. To inspire and educate others, the Janksters created a fun scavenger hunt to engage other teams and teach them about these important women who made their mark on STEM and opened a path for others to follow.
The Janksters also hosted their annual Team Social on the Friday of competition. They invited two all-girls teams: Team 6418 - The Missfits, and Team 6665 - Nuns and Bolts, to join them at Notre Dame and learn about each other's teams while having fun.
Thank you to all of the students, parents and faculty who came to visit the Janksters at Silicon Valley Regional! We look forward to the challenge presented next season and we invite everyone to come support the Janksters at their events.
