Every year Walpole’s For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics team gets together to attend the international program’s kickoff to the new season. Mentors, students and alumni gathered at the high school this January to watch the live feed that would provide information on the 2012 season’s game. Dustin Scott and Claus Hinck, the team’s mentors, have been preparing for this season since September, and the announcement of this year’s competition was filled with anticipation because the team would finally figure out the game for the season.The annual kickoff day takes place every January to reveal the new season’s game. This year, speeches began at 10:30 AM, and featured Dean Kamen, the c0-founder of the FIRST program, commemorating the start of the international robotics program. Along with the annual appearance of Engineering Professor at MIT and co-founder of FIRST, many celebrities also take part in promoting the robotics programs including comedian Stephen Colbert and musical artist Will.I.Am, as well as former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Once the FIRST announcements were over and the game was revealed, the bright minds that make up Walpole’s RoboRebels immediately started to brainstorm. The news that the FIRST teams will have to assemble a robot that has the ability to play a game similar to basketball was received through the program’s hour live feed. The competition, “Rebound Rumble,” consists of four basketball nets at different heights, all varying in the amount of possible points that can be won. The field does not only contain basketball nets, but there is also a challenging tilting bridge set as an obstacle for the robots at the center of the field. The teams will also gain points by balancing on the platform. As well as grasping this years challenges, this year the FIRST program will be providing every team with a Microsoft Kinect that may be used during the competitions if the teams desire.

This year’s news of competition brings excitement to everyone involved in Walpole’s FIRST Robotics team. “This is the best game design I’ve even seen FIRST put together,” said Mr. Scott as he explained his enthusiasm about this year’s projectile and basketball-esque game. “It’s a great example of how physics can come to life. I can not wait to share this robot with future physics and robotics students.” The 2012 season is already filled with a lot of excitement as the students start the feverish six week building season.Every year the task is challenging, but Walpole’s RoboRebels have an impressive record that proves they can overcome any obstacle during the season. “This season will be difficult, but it’s nothing we can’t handle,” said seniors Dan Lipson and Derek Caneja. Everyday the team will gather at Plimpton after school to put together their latest creation. “We aspire to put the best robot on the field every year. This year is no exception,” said Mr. Scott, and the 2012 FIRST RoboRebels have already began building their robot, which hopefully will result in an achieving season.