The Yorkton Regional High School’s robotics program notched another win into their belts at the Sask Polytechnic myRobotRumble. The team of James Thiessen and Brett Guenther took home first place in the tournament.
The competition saw teams build and program an autonomous robot to participate in a sumo battle. The goal was to push the opposing team’s robot out of the ring. This year’s event had 120 teams participate in the event, from high schools across the province.
The Yorkton team’s strategy changed after observing other competitors and the flaws in their robots. Seeing that some teams were not senses as well as theirs, they altered their strategy.
“We employed a strategy of backing up so they couldn’t see you, and then attacking,” Thiessen explains.
Guenther says that the victory is a testament to the quality of the program offered in Yorkton. The duo has been in the program since Grade 10, and they notice that they are viewed the team to beat at these competitions.
“People watch us, to see what we’re doing.”
YRHS students have done well in the robotics competition in the past, and local students also took home the top prize last year. Teacher Kevin Chaisson is proud of what his students have accomplished.
“For us, as a program, it means we’re doing things right. We are always try to keep ahead of the competition. This year, when we’re there, we see the competitive teams are trying to mimic what they’re doing.”
The prizes at the competition are part of the reward, but Thiessen says that the knowledge gained is just as valuable, whether or not they pursue robotics as a career it is something they can use in their future.
For their victory, Thiessen and Guenther received a $1,500 tuition credit to a Saskatchewan Polytechnic diploma program in the School of Mining, Energy and Manufacturing, a Samsung Galaxy Tab A and $150 cash each.
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