Photo Reiter

Yesterday was the NH State lego Robotics State Championship. 51 teams converged on Nashua South High School to compete in robot design, performance, project presentations and team skills. In the past I’ve shot a variety of teams as a freelance assignment for the Manchester Union Leader, but this year they passed on the event so I stuck with just 1 team. Team  FUUSEion, a team from Exeter NH ( OK, my daughter JUST happens to be on the team!) came into the competition with a very hot robot and a track record of stunning  successes at both regional and state competitions.

A variety of issues – a poor cable connection for instance – kept their score down – but not their spirits.

After struggling in the first two rounds they suddenly shot from 44th place to 4th place and earned a trip to the quarterfinals, but narrowly missed making the semis.

A humbling experience but a very full day of meeting new people, seeing some simply amazing robot and attachment designs, and having a blast.

Here’s a look at the day.

The team sees their 3rd round score and reacts

Gage and Haley listens to the judge during technical judging.Ben and Roan watch the robot do its work.

The robot completes a set of complex tasks.

Nick and Ben present part of the project - a solution to drought and a way for apple orchards to conserve water.

Coach Jim samples some of Coach Miranda

Ben

Team members urge on the robot as it completes a task.

Eliza reacts after the team

The FUUSE robot - designed and programmed by the kids.

Joy at jumping from 44th place to 4th place

Coach Jim

Coach Miranda

Coach Frank

The team joins hands before approaching the table.

Damon and Nick have a side conversation during the technical judging.

In between rounds the team checks and fine tunes the robot in the pit area.

Gage and Damon watch the robot on the huge screen behind the tables.

Roger and Eliza hustle to change attachments

Coach Frank gives a pointer to Ben

Waiting for the results of the judges after a table round.