First Robotics Competition (FRC) Southern-Cross Regionals

Over the Labor Day weekend, ten Mac.Rob Students made their way to WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong, NSW to participate in the First Robotics Competition (FRC) Southern-Cross Regionals.

First Robotics Competition (FRC) Southern-Cross Regionals, NSW.

This journey began over the 2022-2023 summer holidays, where we spent 6 weeks designing, building, wiring and coding our robot from scratch. Each year, the theme of the competition changes; ours was "CHARGED UP". Our game required our robot to collect cubes/cones, and place them on elevated spikes and platforms to earn points. Then, finally balancing on a seesaw-like ‘Charging Station’ for bonus points (more info on the game can be found here).

Together we met and worked with other students from other states, and other countries including SA, WA, NSW, QLD, Singapore, Vietnam, and Taiwan; building bonds that would last even overseas; we met with our alliances to work on strategies to win the game. The energy around the stadium has created a lasting impact on us, working towards an unforgettable experience. 

A total of 6 teams qualified – 3 in the top alliance who won the playoffs, 1 best rookie team, 1 impact award, and 1 Engineering Inspiration Award. Our team, Robocats, was awarded the Engineering Inspiration Award, making us eligible for Worlds' in Houston!

Throughout this experience, we have all grown so much in our STEM knowledge and learnt from each other. Establishing long lasting friendships, and experiencing a hands-on approach to engineering. This unique experience has fuelled our love for STEM and has further inspired us to continue interacting with engineering fields.

Babette D & Ellawen G