It's the second year in a row Warren Tech's WALKERS have made it to the finals.
It takes brains to build a robot.
The zombie-themed robotics team from Warren County Technical School stumbled last year in the state finals, but are returning this year hungry for more.
The zombie-themed makeup and name of Warren Tech's robotics team, called the WALKERS, are references to TV's "The Walking Dead." (Courtesy photo)"This team never ever gives up, and they always find a way to remain viable contenders," said Sean McGeough, the school's engineering instructor and robotics coach. "I believe they have the skills and experience necessary to go far in these finals."
The school's team is called the WALKERS, short for Wireless Alternative Lifeforms Keen on Exploration in Robotics Systems and a reference to the undead creatures in TV's "The Walking Dead." Students participate dressed as zombies or characters from the show.
Teams from around the state compete in FIRST Tech Challenge tournaments, designing and building robots to complete certain tasks. Last fall, Warren Tech hosted a competition for the first time.
'Walking Dead' season 6: When does the zombie show return?
Tech last week secured its spot in this year's state finals by winning a judge's award at a qualifying match held in Oradell, New Jersey. The "Inspire" award is given to a team that not only performs well but finds roles for all team members to contribute and exhibits professionalism toward competitors, according to FIRST.
The FIRST Tech Challenge has students collaborate to design, build and control robots in the performance of certain tasks. (Courtesy photo)The finals event, called the Garden State Rumble, will be Feb. 28 at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Of the 139 teams in the state, 48 will compete in the finals, the school said.
An invitational Champions Challenge will be held April 9 at DeVry University in North Brunswick Teams where qualifying teams can hone their skills in advance of the international championship in St. Louis.
Warren Hills Regional High School's Team Impact made it to the championship in 2015.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.