Students in Gann’s Advanced Robotics and FTC Robotics Competition electives dedicate the semester to designing and building sophisticated robots for the annual FIRST Technical Challenge (FTC) Robotics Competition. Working in teams of 8 to 14, captained by experienced students, they develop specialized skills in areas ranging from mechanical engineering to community outreach, project management, and software development.
One of Gann’s three robotics teams, the Bot Mitzvahs, hosted an FTC Robotics qualifier at Gann in February—the school’s first time hosting in many years. The event brought together 22 teams from across Massachusetts, including two representing Gann: R.A.B.B.I. and the Maccabots. (As hosts, the Bot Mitzvahs did not compete.)
After five thrilling matches and a final elimination bracket, R.A.B.B.I., in alliance with Notre Dame Academy’s team, CouGears, earned second place. Both Gann teams also took home awards: the Maccabots received the Design Award for the functional and aesthetic components of their robot, while R.A.B.B.I. earned the Innovation Award for their robot’s cohesive and consistent performance.
The qualifier was a resounding success, with both Gann teams securing spots in the State Championship! Held in March at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, the championship saw the Gann teams place 12th and 14th, ranking in the top 10% of competitors. Though they had hoped to finish in the top ten, the students felt proud of their hard work and the progress they made throughout the season.
