TEAM DUCT TAPE

From Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Academy blog:
PITTSBURGH—A new four-year, $7 million educational initiative by Carnegie Mellon University will leverage students’ innate interest in robots and other forms of “hard fun” to increase U.S. enrollments in computer science and steer more young people into scientific and technological careers.
The initiative, called Fostering Innovation through Robotics Exploration (FIRE), is [...]

Ken Johnson reports, on his FTC blog, on some ”behind the scenes” work for the new season:
“We’ve now produced 2,500 Samantha WiFi modules and they are in transit to PITSCO/LEGO for inclusion in the new kits! As a reminder these are being provided free of charge thanks to the generous donation of time and money from John [...]

Check out the new 2010 FTC Season Kit of Parts options at the U.S. FIRST FTC website.  Veteran teams have a couple of more cost-effective choices this year, including a $70 Software Renewal kit that includes the new Samantha wifi module, or a $200 Resource Kit that includes the software license renewals, as well as some [...]

We might be just unpacked from Atlanta, but we’re rarin’ to go for the 2010 games!  Fortunately, FTC’s just announced we’ve only got five months to wait: new game kick off is set for Sept. 11, 2010! 
 And the 2010-11 FIRST World Championship venue has formally been announced - next year’s event, and the two after that, will [...]

Attention FRC and FTC teams!
PTC has listened to FIRST teams and heard that you need more live training!
PTC has scheduled 3 LIVE WEBCASTS for FIRST teams!
1. Overview of New Robotics Curriculum for FIRST Teams: Geared to FTC teams, but would be helpful to all FIRST teams!
Friday, December 18th [...]

TDT wants to help get word out about these great FIRST scholarship opportunities. Even if you’re unable to participate in the call, please visit the FIRST scholarship page or contact Nancy via the contact information given below. FIRST is more than fun, it can help pave your future!
_______________________________________________
Richard Levey - FIRST Senior Mentor, Chicago
Nancy Rosenberg [...]

First Look at the IR Beacon
Ken Johnson’s blogged a bit about the IR beacon at the FIRST Tech Challenge blog - it looks like new teams can each get one beacon at a greatly reduced cost sometime next week, which should help immensely with practices!
There’s some mention of forming polycarbonate sheeting, too, with a reference [...]

Now on YouTube - and here! What a game!