Cadets learn about robotics with Star Wars

9/25/2019 -- Civil Air Patrol Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron in Alexandria hosted a very special guest for their Aerospace Education/STEM night. 1st Lt. Justin Strait, Squadron Commander, introduced his personally built, life-sized and functional R2-series astromech droid (R2-Q5) to the squadron to present the “Introduction to Robotics” lesson. By drawing parallels between the science fantasy world of Star Wars and our own, 1st Lt. Strait was able to demonstrate that robots are a part of modern life and are built for specific purposes.

The lesson provided a basic introduction into robotics, and focused on defining the concept of a robot, design, and why robots are made. Squadron members participated in these discussions to further understand why robots are built and how they serve their specific purposes. To put the lesson into context, 1st Lt Strait shared the story of why he built his R2-Q5-- to visit children’s hospitals and spread joy. A memory of a children’s hospital visit from several years ago with another R2 builder resonated with him and sparked the desire to also build an R2 droid of his own, so that he too could visit children’s hospitals with his own creation.

From this experience 1st Lt Strait impressed upon the cadets the importance of trying new things and building upon ideas with imagination. Engineering, as a field, addresses specific problems or an idea. It is most prevalent with robotics, where a machine is built to perform a specific task or function. In the case of R2-Q5, 1st Lt. Strait addressed the specific need to build an R2 unit to visit children’s hospitals. He discussed the process of building R2-Q5, stating that he “didn’t know anything about robotics aside from some very basic programming” and shared what resulted in the pursuit of learning how to build an R2-series droid. To demonstrate the culmination of his efforts, 1st Lt Strait opened up R2-Q5 and explained the various components and how it operates as a whole. Despite the elaborate exterior, the droid itself is a rather simple robot designed to light up, make sounds, spin the dome, and roll around using scooter motors via bluetooth remote control. The entire system is controlled via an Arduino microcontroller board that serves as the “brains” of the droid. When fully assembled and working in concert, a fully-functional R2 unit designed specifically for children’s hospital visits is born.

Finally, the cadets learned that when performing complex tasks, such as building a robot, one does not always have to do everything by themselves and can rely on their communities for help. Many of these communities are built specifically around varied interests, such as the R2 Builders Club, and can provide many unexpected opportunities. For example, the droids seen in new Star Wars movies were built by such enthusiasts (StarWars.com), not Hollywood professionals. As emphasized by 1st. Lt. Strait, “You never know where your hobbies or interests might lead you.”

Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron serves the City of Alexandria and conducts aerospace education programs, ground and airborne emergency services support, and leadership and character development programs for young people, and is currently recruiting new cadet members from 12-18, and adults from 18 years of age, no experience required. The squadron currently meets every Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Nannie J Lee Recreation Center located at 1108 Jefferson St, Alexandria, VA 22314. For more information visit dc060.natcapwing.org. You can also follow the squadron on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DC060 or follow @CAP_DC060 on Instagram.

Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, is the newest member of the Air Force's Total Force. In this role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 aircraft, performs about 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 80 lives annually. CAP's 63,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. In addition, CAP plays a leading role in aerospace/STEM education, and its members serve as mentors to over 26,000 young people participating in CAP's Cadet Programs. Visit www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com or www.CAP.news for more information.