DLS Robotics Team Qualifies for World Competition

Congratulations to the DLS Robotics Team, the AutoPilots, qualifiers for the First Robotics World Championship in Houston, TX, April 17 - 20. 

Now in its sixth year of competition, the AutoPilots (7762) qualified for the Worlds at the recent state competition held April 4-6 at Saginaw Valley State University. DLS finished as one of 86 teams out of 622 in Michigan.

Mr. Rob Black, the team's moderator, said, "This is an extremely exciting time for the Robotics team. This is our first time to be an 'alliance' captain. The first time we made it to the state competition. And the first time to the world championships." 

Black credits the hard work of the students, the team's mentors, the students' families, and the team's sponsors. 

The DLS team competed in Districts at Troy Athens High School March 22 - 24 and finished as the 8th ranked team. 

A week later, March 28-30, the team was at Sterling Heights High School and battled through broken parts and tough competition to win their first district event championship. The team was ranked 141 out of 600 teams, the highest rank the team has ever recorded.  

Approximately 20 students are part of the DLS Robotics team, captained by senior Tyler Meerschaert. 

Tyler, who plans to pursue engineering in college, has participated in Robotics since his sophomore year, and said the Sterling Heights event was particularly challenging. 

"Our robot didn't work," Tyler said. "So I was back and forth to De La Salle for spare parts." 

Tyler said the team uses both a 3-D printer, as well as a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) using designs created on CAD (Computer Assisted Drawing) software. The CNC is used to create metal plates that are part of the robot's construction. 

"This has been a very good experience," Tyler said. "We work as a team." 

Tyler credits the team leaders, including senior Andrew England (building), sophomore Gabe Enghauser (CAD), junior Joe Brannigan (main driver), and senior Graham Gill (operator). 

Black cites the team's mentors, including former parents and alumni, as well as family members. They include Mr. Ed Johnstone, Ryan Hensley, and Terry Brannigan. 

The AutoPilots sponsors include Impact Analysis, Lawrence Technological University, and the Michigan Department of Education. 

 

Read more:

https://www.facebook.com/autopilots7762

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DLS Robotics Team Qualifies for World Competition
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