#robozoids

After sufficiently progressing the Robozoids Senior Solutions project concept, the InviziAid 'invisible' hearing aid, the team decided it was time to work on the presentation of their project.  Since other work was also under way, the team broke into subteams as they found this is the most efficient way to work together when multiple tasks are required to be done.

One team focused on the development of a skit for the project.  After a lot of discussion on skit concepts it was decided that the skit would be in the model of the old TV show the Wonder Years.  As a result, the skit would have presentation throughout with the interjection of facts from a speaker.  The aim is for this allow for the presentation to be more fun and less presentation as  the skit is the primary element.  A draft skit was storyboarded and assignments given to each of the Robozoids.  The skit was given two run thrus and the team is happy with its structure.  Next, scripts will need to be developed so everyone can study and practice their parts.

Another team focused on reviewing conceptual project boards: team rookie season overview, project overview and robot overview.  Mock ups were developed so side assignments can be given to drive these ideas to completion.

The remaining members focused on completing robot missions and determining if additional design elements and attachments would help that cause.  In the end, a real run thru was completed and at the end of 2:30 the team had accumulated 250 points!  Nice work team!!  It looks like the key for points will be if teams do not do the ball challenge and are able to get the similarity levers parallel.

Tonight, the Robozoids hosted a web conference with guest Mentor Mr. Hiroshi Yamaki, (UL President, Life & Health) as well as partner rookie FLL teams from Spring Grove (Spring Grove Lego Creators) and Schaumburg (Tiger Force 10) that are coached by fellow colleagues from UL.

The night was a huge success in which the kids were extremely engaged as well as well mannered and prepared for the nights events.

As challenge Mentor, Yamaki-san, joining the web conference from New York, provided an overview of the Life & Heath industry as it relates to safe working and living environments.  He introduced safety related issues for medical products and their inclusion in patient care and health care facilities and hospitals.  He then spoke to the teams about safety considerations as they relate to water and food safety including their related supply chains.  Based on growing populations around the world, all of these issues are becoming more and more relevant for the safety of our societies and in particular for seniors.  Yamaki-san also took the time to introduce some new technology trends related to robotics in these same areas.  From remote patient care, to patient management and handling, to administrative assistance and facility guidance robots are playing an increasing role in patient care and smart hospitals.  The teams seemed particularly interested in a discussion about new high tech robotic beds used in hospitals.

Following Yamaki-sans insights he stayed on the conference to provide feedback and expertise related to the teams Senior Solution Project concepts.  Kevin took the lead in presenting the Robozoids InviziAid project concept and supporting evidence while our FLL partner teams presented ideas on assisting seniors with memory loss and protecting seniors from online scams.  All concepts were well received and identified as extremely relevant for the project scope based on provided evidence and experience in the field.  Both Yamaki-san and members from each partner team were active in providing feedback and questions that will help each team evolve their concept before the approaching tournaments.