By Sarah Oprysk
Sophomores Morgan Chen and Darren Srivathanakul won the state SkillsUSA mobile robotics competition and advanced to nationals after competing in Corpus Christi. Senior Martin De La Cruz placed third in Mobile Electronics Installation.
“We’re competing with the best of the best,” Chen said. “We’re curious to see how we do.”
The national competition will take place in Kansas City from June 23rd to the 27th. Chen and Srivanthanakul said they are excited to compete nationally against other high-scoring students.
“My parents were pretty excited when I told them that I made nationals,” Srivanthanakul said. “Everyone was excited – it’s a big deal.”
This year, the task is to move five inch small balls and 16 inch large balls over a two inch bump spanning the length of a 12 square feet field during a two-minute autonomous and operator control round.
The purpose of the contest is to evaluate each contestant’s preparation for employment in the field of robotics with emphasis on the team approach to problem solving in a work environment.
Chen and Srivanthanakul placed first in regionals and advanced to state back in February. Chen said their success was a result of their commitment and that they will carry their work ethic to nationals.
“Our time commitment really helped,” Chen said. “We took the material home over the weekends and put everything we had into it. Mr. Morales helped too, because whenever we needed coaching, he was there.”
Aside from competing, the contest also exposes students to scholarships and college offers. The two sophomores, however, are more focused on winning.
“We’re really proud of ourselves and can’t wait to see how we do,” Srivanthanakul said.