Roundup Presents: Ready, Set, Robonauts!
NASA’s Johnson Space Center is not only the home of human spaceflight, but also home base for one of the world’s best robotics teams. The Robonauts, a group of elite robotics students operate from Johnson’s Space Vehicle Mockup Facility and are on a mission to change the future of engineering.
“Besides the technical skill I've gained from being on the Robonauts, the most important knowledge I've learned is that I have the power to effect change and make progress within my community that is bigger than me,” said Esther Jin, the team captain for the Robonauts.
The Robonauts, officially known as FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) Team 118, compete in FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a non-profit organization that hosts a series of competitive robotics challenges for students in grades K-12. The Robonauts, who were founded at Johnson in 1997, are one of 46 NASA House Teams that are located at NASA facilities across the country.
The 2015 Robonauts collecting their F.I.R.S.T. World Championship trophy. Credit: Robonauts.
If you have ever entered the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility you have seen the seemingly endless wall of blue banners lining the walls. Each of these blue banners represents an event or major award they have received, including their most prestigious banner, a victory at the 2015 robotics world championship that garnered global recognition for and solidified the team’s celebrity status.
But while the team has a global following as a result of their success, it isn’t the blue banners or the world titles that represents The Robonauts, but rather their aptitude to change engineering culture on a grandiose scale.
“Being on The Robonauts has not only taught me how to think like an engineer and given me technical skills, but also to appreciate what you have and to spread the love back to your community,” said Lilly Thorn, a second year student on the team. “One huge way we do this is by engaging students in engineering before stereotypes take hold through mentoring around 80 elementary and middle school teams. We host the largest robotics tournaments in Texas and do demos all across our community. By doing this, we are nurturing the creation and sustainability of a diverse engineering workforce.”
The Robonauts pose after winning the University Interscholastic League championship. Credit: Robonauts.
The Robonauts set out to educate students in engineering before stereotypes take hold, and they’ve managed to do just that. Their influence not only has impacted the local communities but has begun to reach different areas of the globe.
Join Roundup as we follow along with the Robonauts throughout the rest of their season, culminating in their attempt to win the 2020 world championship in April!
Ready, Set, Robonaut! Is a mini-series about how this NASA based FIRST robotics team has changed the face of engineering. Stay tuned to learn more about the team, the mission, and the impact of this NASA house team.
