More than 20 teams from high schools across New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania participated Sunday in the robotics scrimmage at Warren County Technical School in Washington.
More than 20 teams from high schools across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut put their skills to the test Sunday during a robotics competition at Warren County Technical School.
The school in Washington hosted its first regional robotics competition as a way for teams to test out their robots and make any tweaks before advancing to tournaments in the FIRST Technology Robotics Challenge.
Warren Tech's robotics team, known as the "WALKERS," which stands for "Wireless Alternative Lifeforms Keen on Exploration in Robotics Systems," advanced last year to the state finals. The name is based off the television series, "The Walking Dead."
The team was part of a winning alliance that beat out 33 other teams from high schools in counties across New Jersey, and it was the first time Warren Tech made it to that level in the competition.
RELATED: Warren Tech robotics teams competes at statewide level
However, the team did not win last year's contest and is seeking redemption this year, said Sean McGeough, Warren Tech's engineering instructor and robotics coach.
"Our team is focused on building and designing a robot with better maneuverability," he said in an email. "We are ahead of schedule compared to the same time last year."
McGeough said the contest is sure to bring additional challenges than last year, noting FTC is requiring teams use a new android-based control system to operate their robots. Teams also had to learn new computer codes to control robots, he said.
"It's similar to learning a new language," McGeough said. "We are improving with every step of the process. I'm proud of their progress and determination."
Teams participating Sunday also were using the event to work out any software and design issues before the actual qualifying tournaments. The tournaments are scheduled to begin in early February.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.