Robots. Remember R2-D2 and C-3PO from Star Wars? How about the HAL 9000 from Space Odyssey? Or, the merciless T-1000 from Terminator? Maybe A.I. from Artificial Intelligence? Well, in the Robotics Club, students are getting closer and closer to reaching those heights. Every Thursday, students meet in the Robotics Club to imagine, build, and explore the technology and engineering of robot. The club is advised by Randy Sherry.

“In all honesty, the club isn’t really mine. It belongs to the kids,” Mr. Sherry said.

Students, for the most part, do really enjoy the club. Robots built there mostly consist of Lego brand Mindstorms, which must be fed a certain code in order to work. Robots are not to the same caliber as robots from Star Wars or some other sci-fi movie. Rather, they are simple robots, that can only move in a straight line or backwards. Other than Lego Mindstorms, parts from companies like Vex and Panasonic provide the students supplies, but in small amounts.

“The robotics club is really exciting,” freshmen Collin Armstrong said. “It’s really exciting to see the robots all put together and interacting with the environment.”

Students in robotics are currently preparing for a Robot Sumo championship, which is rather small, but important to the students nonetheless. Once a year, the Robotics Club participates in the Panasonic Design Challenge. Students compete nationally to win big.

“Students are always compliant. They know thousands of dollars is at stake, so they all put as much effort as possible into building robots,” Mr. Sherry said, looking back at the crowd of student at work at the table and organizing some parts.

“I finished my robot really fast,” freshmen Birane Lam said. “It’s always cool finishing early and watching the other kids struggle to finish their robots,” he added, slightly chuckling.

The Robotics Club is filled to the brim with freshmen energy. There are approximately 20 members who never miss the chance to build robots and have fun on Thursdays.

“Students, as eager to learn as they are, are always misbehaving. They’re always being told to sit down,” Mr. Sherry said, smiling. “Yet, despite their mischievous behavior, they’re all good kids, and always do their best.” he added.

Time can only tell what is to come for the Robotics Club and its competitions this year. Although they may not build a rival to science fiction favorites, such as R2-D2, they may take home a win or two. Anything’s possible.