Apple π Robotics

2012 Season Week 2 Update

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:19:11 +0000

2012 Season Week 1 Update

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:55:48 +0000

2012 Season Kickoff – “Rebound Rumble”

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:24:12 +0000

The 2012 season officially starts today, January 7th. 6 Weeks to design, build, test and ship a robot that plays this years game as defined by the FRC challenge of FIRST. “Rebound Rumble” is characterized by a basketball theme with 3 levels of hoops, all with different scoring values and a set of obstacles that must be navigated as the game is played. The finale includes the robots attempting to balance on a “seesaw” inspired ramp.

Al Bishop

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:57:56 +0000

Mr. Bishop is reponsible for Guilford having a FIRST Robotics team. It was his inspiration and groundwork that allowed for the team to come into existence. Bishops Orchard is also a major contributor to the team and allows the team to make use of their facilities for events such as Cruise Nights and car washes. It is through Bishops Orchard that the Apple Pi Robotics team is permitted to run the concession stand at the Donkey & Pony Show.

Donkey Show – Bishops Orchards “Little Red Barn”

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:53:55 +0000

Apple Pi Robotics was once again on hand at this years’ 4H “Donkey & Pony Show” at the “Little Red Barn” at Bishops Orchard. Apple Pi ran a food concession stand and also promoted going “green” with the new FIRST E-Watt Saver light bulbs.

4-H Fair – Durham, CT – August 6, 2011

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:15:20 +0000

4H Fair in Durham at the fairgrounds. Apple Pi Robotics was on hand to show “Little Foot” our tube-hanging robot and entertain the young visitors that turned out to see the the demonstration and take a turn at driving the robot.

Kevin Care

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:59:36 +0000

Mr. Care started mentoring Apple Pi during its rookie year in 2006 and received the distinguished Woodie Flowers Award at the Hartford Regional in 2009. Al Bishop introduced him to the team, and he joined because he was interested in working in the workshop with students and teaching them how to use the various tools and machines. Mr. Care has graciously provided us with the use of his workshop throughout the year. He has found robotics to be an extremely satisfying experience because it involves creating a finished product from nothing and working with students. He is an installer at New England Bow Thruster and a general manager at Essex Marine, and he has high school and practical education.

Diane van der Grinten

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:19:11 +0000

Mrs. Van der Grinten has mentored Apple Pi since its first season in 2006. She became interested in FIRST because her father is Mr. Bishop, the team founder, and she found the various facets of robotics, such as mechanics, math, and technology, to be fascinating. As part of the Apple Pi Robotics team, she enjoys getting to know the students outside of the school atmosphere, meeting the challenges of maintaining the team and promoting ongoing success, and being part of the gratifying and worthwhile FIRST experience.

Mark Lex

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:14:58 +0000

Mr. Lex began mentoring the Apple Pi Robotics team in 2007 after being impressed with the demonstration robot at his daughter’s freshman orientation. The team has given him numerous positive and rewarding experiences, including being challenged while learning new and different things, exercising creativity not usually used in regular professional life, and teaching students who have a desire to learn. Mr. Lex is a project manager at Sikorsky Aircraft and has an M.S. in Civil Engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University.

Rick Page

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:02:24 +0000

Mr. Page has been an Apple Pi mentor since 2007. He initially became involved because he knew people at work who had been involved with FIRST teams, was interested in making a positive contribution to his community, and wanted to experience robotics with his son, who also joined the team. He enjoys being on the team because of the intense and rewarding build and competition seasons that have become a major part of his life. He is a project manager at Pratt and Whitney, and his formal education includes a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University, an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bridgeport, and an M.B.A. from the University of New Haven.