The 2006 Robot
2006 was our rookie year. We were just learning what FIRST is all about and dealing with major resource issues, such as lack of an appropriate space in which to build our robot since our high school has no shop area. We designed and built a defensive low-tech robot that was extremely stable and consistent in doing a few things very well.
To our surprise, during 2006 we distinguished ourselves by emerging as regional champions of the Wisconsin regional match in March 2006. This was, in large part, due to our selection for the playoffs by two strong, more experienced teams (Wildstang Team 111 and Winnovation Team 1625) who recognized our robot's defensive capabilities. This allowed us to compete in the FIRST National Championship Competition in Atlanta, April 2006 where we performed well, earning the Highest Rookie Seed award in our division.
A summary of our accomplishments during the 2006 season follows:
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Built a 5 foot-tall robot that was a strong defensive player of FIRST's "Aim High" game.
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Rolled away as Champions of the FIRST Robotics Wisconsin Regional Competition in March 2006 with alliance partners Wildstang Team 111 and Winnovation Team 1625.
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Distinguished ourselves at the FIRST National Championship in Atlanta in April 2006 by winning the "Highest Rookie Seed" award for ranking 6th in the Archimedes division. This was the highest ranking of any rookie team in the entire championship event.
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Produced a video documenting our experience.
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Launched a website
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Held summer workshops to learn more about kit parts we were unable to use in 2006