Local Youth Robotics Team Presents Research Project

Photos of Rocky Robotics Team making a presentation to the MPWD Board of Directors

In Fall 2017, the Rocky Robotic Team, comprised of four local youth, approached the Mid- Peninsula Water District (MPWD) for mentoring assistance for their research project on lawn replacement and water conservation through xeriscaping and hydrozoning. Their goal was to compete in the FIRST LEGO League Robotics competition in November 2017, in Redwood City, CA. This world-renown competition offers youth teams the opportunity to design, build, and program robots using LEGO® Mindstorms® products while problem-solving for real-world issues such as food safety, recycling, energy, water, and more. “We were thrilled to work with the Rocky Robotics Team and provide information they requested to complete their research. They worked hard on their project and we were impressed by their level of team work, their attention to details, and their concern for solving issues related to water conservation,” remarked MPWD Water Conservation Specialist Jeanette Kalabolas.

The team emerged from the weekend of robotics competition with a respectable 8th place finish. In addition, they gained a new respect for one another and for the planning, strategy, and execution of a shared effort that goes into a project of this caliber. Speaking on behalf of the parents of the team members, Christana Lai beamed, “We couldn’t be prouder of the boys!”

The MPWD invited the Rocky Robotics Team to attend the regular Board of Directors Meeting on Thursday, February 22, 2018 to present on the Research Project Summary they created on lawn replacement. They also demonstrated the abilities of the robot they built and the tasks it could perform. MPWD Board President Dave Warden concluded the 20-minute presentation by acknowledging the team’s accomplishments with a certificate of recognition. “These student engineers have a bright future and are an inspiration to us all. It was an honor to support and encourage them along the way,” commented Warden.

For more information on MPWD’s Community Outreach programs, please contact Jeanette Kalabolas at 650.591.8941 or visit MidPeninsulaWater.org/outreach.