Joliet Township High School District 204’s Cyborgs robotics team and its robot, PALADIN, have advanced to the FIRST Robotics World Championship which will be held April 29-30 in St. Louis, Missouri.
The Joliet Cyborgs have been competing in the FIRST Robotics Competition since 2011 and advanced to the FIRST Robotics Competition finals as a member of the Number 2 seed alliance at the Midwest Regional held on April 2.
“PALADIN performed like a pro at the Midwest Regional,” said JTHS Project Director Carol Collins. “In the medieval setting of this year’s game, FIRST Stronghold, the robot traversed the rough terrain, moat, drawbridge, Rockwall, sally port, ramparts and catapulted boulders through the tower window to assist its three-robot alliance in the capture of their opponents’ castle.”
The Cyborg’s seed 2 alliance consisted of Team 111, Wildstang; Team 2338, Gear It Forward; and Team 4241.
“It was a strong alliance that won the quarterfinal and semi-final matches,” said Collins. “However, they competed in the finals and lost to the Number 1 seed alliance: the only matches of the day the Joliet Cyborgs lost.”
But despite the loss, the Cyborgs advanced.
“Due to our robot PALADIN’s skills, the judges awarded the Joliet Cyborgs the Wild Card spot, giving them the chance to compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship,” explained Collins. “I am so proud of the students and their mentors who dedicated hours of expertise to assist with the robot’s construction.”
As the Cyborgs prepare for the World Championship, they are seeking funding to offset costs associated with the event.
“Vulcan Materials Company, Caterpillar, NRG Energy and KWM Gutterman have generously donating to our team but we still have a long way to go,” said Collins.
The Cyborgs have set up a GoFundMe account to accept donations.
“This is the first time they are going to the World Championship,” said Collins. “We are sure it won’t be the last time! But we need your help to get there.”
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/xvt2ccvw