Tech Tigers advance to FLL International Opens

Around 460 teams from all over Massachusetts participated in this year’s FIRST Lego League (FLL) tournament, with 120 teams advancing to 2 state championships in the Western and Eastern regions. The Tech Tigers attended the MA West Championship held at Worcester Polytechnic Institute on December 15th, 2018 and placed second among 72 teams.

Tech Tigers, a Sharon based team comprises Aadi Kaul (Grade 7 @ SMS), Alisha Mehta (Grade 7 @ SMS), Amulya Ponnapalli (Grade 5 @ Cottage), Jadd Sangha (Grade 5 @ Cottage), Rishabh Tole (Grade 6 @JMS Walpole) and Rishi Ponnapalli (Grade 6 @ SMS) and coaches Vamshi Ponnapalli and Deepti Garladinne.

FLL tournaments require equal emphasis and strong performance in three areas – robotics, research project and core values. The 2018 challenge “Into Orbit” involves completing space themed robot missions, solving a human space travel related problem and developing essential core values as a team. The team created a custom designed Mindstorms EV3 box robot using dual ultrasonic and color sensors, programmed using PID control loops and advanced diagnostics. For the research project, the team devised a personalized 4D virtual reality solution to address isolation and homesickness that astronauts will face during long term space travel. Throughout the season, the team developed many strengths as individuals and as a team, and shared their learnings through outreach to several other FIRST teams.

The Tech Tigers are grateful for support and guidance from many experts and members of the community, including Nicole Tricoukes of Zebra Technologies, Rahul Kulkarni, Rajesh Mapakshi, Chaitanya Baddam, and all parents involved. The Tech Tigers would also like to thank their sponsors Analog Devices Inc. for their generous contribution. Special thanks to Field Martials Arts Academy for their tremendous support and encouragement. Master Derek Field has been an extremely positive influence on several kids for many years and goes above and beyond in championing kids’ efforts at martial arts as well as other areas.

The runner up Champions Award at State level earns the team invitations to several national and international opens, including the Asia Pacific International Open in Australia, the International Open in Turkey, the International Open at LEGOLAND California and the Razorback Open in Arkansas. At these events, the Tech Tigers will compete with many international and US based teams and will have the opportunity to be inspired by their work and innovation.

The Tech Tigers are actively preparing for the Asia Pacific International Open, to be held in July 2019 in Sydney, Australia. They plan to run STEM camps and events to raise funds for the trip. This will be a great way for them to take their efforts to the next level, and raise funds while also giving back to the community.