Technology Camp Itinerary Participate in Robotics Workshop
During a recent visit to the Bay Area as part of the Silicon Valley Tech Camp, participants engaged in an array of exciting activities. They toured renowned tech companies and universities, attended lectures on technology and study abroad opportunities, and even gained firsthand experience as “one-day team members” with a local high school robotics team.
On July 24th, campers visited Monta Vista High School in Cupertino to participate in a robotics workshop. Their day with the school’s robotics team allowed them to dive deep into the robot-building process and operate the latest robot developed for the upcoming FIRST Robotics Competition.
The Monta Vista robotics team boasts an impressive 27-year history and competes annually in the FIRST Robotics Competition, designing and constructing a new robot each year. This endeavor involves navigating a range of challenges in circuits, software, mechanics, and control, requiring skills like soldering, wiring, 3D printing, coding, and algorithm development.
The day kicked off with team members guiding the campers through a tour of their robotics lab and the school campus. After the tour, participants engaged in workshops that focused on circuitry, software, and mechanical drafting. They had hands-on experiences connecting circuits, writing code, and using design software, gaining valuable insights into the critical stages of robot creation.
To cap off the day, each camper had the opportunity to drive Monta Vista High School’s latest robot, designed for the 2024 FIRST competition. For many, this was their first experience with hands-on robotic operation.
Pu Zijun, an incoming 10th grader at Taipei American School, shared his long-standing interest in robotics. While he had some prior knowledge, the workshop introduced him to new concepts. With his new school also hosting a robotics team, he plans to join, viewing this experience as an ideal preparatory step.
On the other hand, He Jiahan, a rising 10th grader at the private Ren-Ai School, confessed he didn’t know much about robotics and had little interest in it before this experience. He held a misconception that robots moved awkwardly, reminiscent of stormtroopers from “Star Wars.” However, after getting hands-on experience, he was pleasantly surprised by the smooth and swift movements of the robots. He remarked that his initial views had completely transformed, and he now finds robots to be incredibly cool.