by Grace Lim

Technology consumes a very large position in present-day society. And robots, in turn, consume a large part of technological study.

Who knows? In five years, robots may become a household necessity. They may cook, clean, play, and work at far more efficient levels than current machines and appliances.

It is, therefore, important to understand and acknowledge the prevailing significance of Norcross High School’s Robotics team, the Gear Devils.

In Nov. 2007, the team was placed fifth in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Tech Challenge at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

“It’s a really fun competition. They always come up with really good games that are very interesting and creative,” said Tanoya Sheth.

The team also won a “Website Award” this year, for having the most creative webpage. In addition to that, the Gear Devils were awarded for the “Most Innovative Design” for their unique and original approach in designing the robot that competed in the “Laundry Quandary” game.

The team members are currently working on building and designing a robot to compete in the “Overdrive” game, which is a part of one of the largest competitions of the year, a.k.a. FIRST Robotics Challenge (FRC). The robot being submitted for this competition will be 120 pounds and approximately two and one-half feet wide and three feet long.

“Right now we’re trying to stay within the size limit, weight limit, and [build the robot so it can] get a 40-inch, ten-pound ball over a 6.5 inch hurdle,” said Alicen Spurlin.

In the coming March, the Gear Devils plan to participate in the first Peachtree regional competition taking place at the Gwinnett Civic Center. This regional will help determine whether the team will continue on to the FRC International Championships at the Georgia Dome.

“This year we want to improve on our past successes and be on the winning alliance,” said Michael Kahn.

It is a substantial match and admission is free to the public who desire to cheer and support the team through an impelling competition.

The Gear Devils collaborate on building and designing the best and most efficient robot possible. By doing so, a sense of accomplishment is abundant in every member. And the team is able to analyze, deliberate, and evaluate the processes put into building the robots, further enhancing their knowledge in the subject.

The more experienced and accustomed these students become to the field of robotics, the more they are prepared for the greater future world of science and technology.

Again, who knows if one of these student’s prospective inventions will become your next nanotech, soundless, high-speed Dirt Devil®?