Sprocket takes the field for the Howling Spotted Ligers

Volume 37

Number 2

Spring 2006

By Tony Pennington
The Norman Transcript Staff Writer
Reprinted with permission

At a svelte 120 pounds, Sprocket had the makings of a five-tool robot. Thanks to a high torquing 3 speed motor, the rookie covered 1.7 to 12 feet of ground per second which made it a monster on defense. Applying that quickness and the abilities of a shut-down cornerback with a cannon for an arm -- the exit velocity of a high-density foam ball has been clocked at nearly 27 mph -- and the Howling Spotted Ligers of Moore Norman Technology Center were more than pleased with their offseason construction.

"I knew it was going to be a lot of hard work," said team leader and Norman North High School senior Robert Love, 18, reflecting on the experience. "We were ready for it."

Sprocket's journey began as $3,500 in parts back in January. The Howling Spotted Ligers -- an amalgamation of the four mascots from Moore, Westmoore, Norman and Norman North high schools -- spent six weeks in design and development and assembly. Afternoons and weekends were spent by MNTC pre-engineering students and instructors to bring the robot from concept to working machine. Carpentry, precision machining and welding students also were called in to help with fabrication.

"This was part of our curriculum," said Jason Rausch, pre-engineering instructor and assistant coach. He compared the build to a capstone project used on the university level. "Our students had time during the day for design and fabrication, but we still met after school and weekends. We look at it as a Moore Norman Technology Center robot, not just pre-engineering. It was really an effort from all programs across the school."

So it was with great care Sprocket was crated and shipped to Houston in late February for the FIRST Robotics Lone Star Regional, March 30-April 1. More than 50 other rolling, mechanical combatants awaited MNTC's arrival for its initial campaign.

Image of Students assembling the robot

Students Ben Brown and Robert Love assemble "Sprocket," the robot they and other members of the Howling Spotted Ligers created to compete at the FIRST Robotics Lone Star Regional.

Unlike most challenges, the FIRST competition has robots working in teams of three. It is up to the students to meet before each round to decide which robots will be used for defense and offense. The goal is to maneuver on the carpeted 54-foot by 26-foot playing surface collecting foam balls to shoot into the scoring areas at each end.

MNTC proved itself among the best early by rising as high as sixth before Sprocket ran over a foam ball and dislodged two chains needed to propel the machine. The team did finish the tournament ranked 19th and placed in the top 10 in the country for defense. Like true sportsmen, team members did not hang their head. They left Houston with more than a feeling of accomplishment.

"It was all worth it regardless of how we placed." Love said. "This gave us a chance to use all of our classroom work."

And that was the purpose of introducing the robot project. Head coach and pre-engineering instructor Art Waldenville said it was a way to give his students practical experience.

"This was a perfect way to pull it all together," he said as students had account for complex calculations, computer programming and design as well as deal with motor issues. "With each step over the six weeks they learned more about their abilities. It was really rewarding to see that. It got me pumped to watch them get excited and commit to something and have their own ideas."

It won't be until next year before students get another crack at building an original robot. Waldenville and Rausch believe the program is worth the time and expense and beneficial to students.

"This is a good chance for the kids to get their hands dirty and build something," Rausch said. "A good engineer won't keep his nose in a book."

As for Sprocket, he won't be motoring off into the sunset. The first-generation MNTC robot will become a pitchman of sorts for the school and pre-engineering.

"We are going to use it as a marketing tool," Rausch said, adding he would like to take the robot to the high schools. "We are going to show it off."

Other Links & Resources

OK CareerTech's Pre-engineering Education Website