If you’ve ever been to a high school robotics competition, there’s a lot you’ll notice when you step into the arena: excitement, noise, cheering, and a passion for technology.
What isn’t as apparent is what happens behind the scenes. To get there, the students have to transport all of their robots, tools, and equipment – something that can’t easily be done in the back of their parents’ minivans.
Enter HAQM Freight. This year, for the FIRST Championship robotic competition, HAQM Freight donated the use of three of its trucks and trailers for 26 high school teams in Minnesota and North Dakota to get their robots to and from Houston where the event was held.
“It’s a big enough challenge for these high school teams to build their robots and qualify for the competition,” said Nicole Schossow, Regional Director at FIRST. “It’s an even greater cost and logistical burden for them to get their robots to the event, which is why HAQM Freight’s involvement is so critical.”
The FIRST Championship occurs every year and draws 600 teams from all over the world to compete in a single venue. This year’s challenge is called Reefscape where teams clean up algae (rubber balls) from the reef and place coral (PVC pipe) on the reefs. The robots are programmed to perform autonomously so they can pick up and move pieces around and even climb. It’s a chance for students to work together to explore the role STEM skills play in the world and bring their ideas to life.
A heavy lift
The robots themselves weight about 130 pounds. Then there’s usually a 300+ pound tool chest, not to mention work benches, spare parts, promotional items, and their work tent. It’s similar to the operation that racecar drivers use when hauling their vehicles and equipment from race to race. The robots have sensitive components so a safe and smooth journey is essential.
Teams typically borrow or rent trucks and trailers to haul everything they need, which is an added cost. Team volunteers spend two days driving to the event and then two days back. This is a burden teams were happy to relinquish to HAQM Freight’s dry van trailers, which were perfect for the job.
“We know first-hand how complex logistics can be,” said Ari Silkey, General Manager of HAQM Freight. “It was rewarding to enable these teams to utilize the safety and speed of the HAQM Freight network so the next generation of talented builders could get their hard work to Houston.”
This is the third year HAQM has helped students get their robots to the competition. You can learn more about the FIRST Championship here.
