During our spring break, the Delbarton Robotics & Engineering teams took on the New Jersey State Championship. Their assignment? To build compact machines that accurately shoot Wiffle balls–called “artifacts”–across a foam tile field at lightning speed.
Delbarton Robotics had another stellar year participating in First Tech Challenge (FTC)! After six consecutive years competing in the First Tech Challenge, Delbarton Robotics and Engineering split into two separate teams, the first keeping the current name Delbotics (#755) and the second bearing the original name Delbarton held in 2007, Mechanical Wave (#31149). Both teams dominated in three league meets, followed by the New Jersey Upper Central League Tournament (hosted at Delbarton), before qualifying for the New Jersey State Championship.
“The success of both Delbotics and Mechanical Wave reflects not only technical excellence, but also the dedication, collaboration, and resilience of our students,” said Mr. Theroux, the head coach for the team.
Mechanical Wave Season Highlights
At the end of the regular season and going into the League Tournament, Mechanical Wave entered with an 11-5 win/loss ratio and a league rank of #2 out of 48. As a rookie team, Mechanical Wave’s season goal was to create a competitive robot, which they did with flying colors. With high hopes and a lot of nerve, Mechanical Wave was able to end the Upper Central League Tournament with a record of 3-2 during qualification matches, and 3-0 during elimination matches. #31149 also received the Design Award, beating out 24 other teams. Through positive results during the regular season and going undefeated during the League Tournament’s elimination matches, #31149 was able to qualify for FTC’s New Jersey State Tournament (Championship).
Delbotics Season Highlights
Entering the League Tournament, Delbotics entered with a 12-4 win/loss ratio and a league rank of #5 out of 48. As a veteran team, #755 is composed of sophomores to seniors with multiple years of robotics and FTC experience. It is known for reaching high bars and creating highly competitive robots. This year, #755 built three robots, using two for season gameplay and the other for software testing and development. During the league meet, Delbotics ended with a record of 5-0 during qualification matches and 2-2 during elimination rounds. They also received the Control Award and was the 1st alliance captain in the event. Delbotics qualified for FTC’s New Jersey State Tournament (Championship), making this the third consecutive year of qualifying. During States, Delbotics made it to the playoffs but fell just short on obtaining a World’s Invitation.
Reflection
Though the season’s end may not have ended how we all would have liked (everyone wanted to make it to worlds), both teams are happy with their performances and are excited to compete again next year. The students in the robotics program are sad to see two seniors leave the Delbarton Robotics Program, Raymond Xu and Riley Ross, but are delighted to meet new members that will join next year.
Riley Ross comments, “These last four years of Robotics have been special. More than just an activity, Delbotics cultivates a community where I have built friendships that will last a lifetime. As I set forth upon my next chapter of academic curiosity, I am delighted to know that I am leaving behind a new generation of Delbotics engineers ready to carry our brotherhood forward.”
For information about joining either teams or participating in any Delbarton Robotics and Engineering activities, reach out to any of the faculty moderators, Mr. Theroux, Mr. Steele, or Mr. Segreto.
