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FIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)FTC Teen, Austin, Volunteers with FLLDescriptionAustin is a junior in high school and is currently on FIRST Tech Challenge Team 11619, Rust in Pieces. Although his team hasn't formally competed in a tournament yet, they have built a robot and completed all of the challenges on their practice field. Their goal for 2018/2019 is to compete and make their way to Nationals. This year is Austin's first year volunteering with FIRST LEGO League here at the 2018 Regional Competition. And although he originally signed up to help fulfill his requirement for volunteer hours, he quickly realized how important his role has been...2018-04-1210 minF5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Video)F5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Video)CES 2018 Pre-Show - Episode 490DescriptionThis week, we're in Las Vegas. Ahead of the official start of CES 2018, we discuss our past CES experiences, our expectations for this year and introduce the team members to the event.ParticipantsScott ErtzHostScott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on...2018-01-0751 minF5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Audio)F5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Audio)CES 2018 Pre-Show - Episode 490DescriptionThis week, we're in Las Vegas. Ahead of the official start of CES 2018, we discuss our past CES experiences, our expectations for this year and introduce the team members to the event.ParticipantsScott ErtzHostScott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on...2018-01-0751 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Masquerade (FTC 4997) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017DescriptionMiddleton High School's Robotics Program has so much to offer to their students including a couple of FIRST teams up their sleeve. Elijah Bond, captain and lead builder for one of the teams, Masquerade (FIRST Tech Challenge 4997) detailed this year's FIRST Tech Challenge game along with their strengths and weaknesses for the season. Elijah is currently a senior at Middleton High School and this is his third year working with Masquerade. Starting the season as the new captain, he discusses the requirements necessary to acquire the position and the steps he took to get...2017-10-2213 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Masquerade (FTC 4997) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017Middleton High School's Robotics Program has so much to offer to their students including a couple of FIRST teams up their sleeve. Elijah Bond, captain and lead builder for one of the teams, Masquerade (FIRST Tech Challenge 4997) detailed this year's FIRST Tech Challenge game along with their strengths and weaknesses for the season. Elijah is currently a senior at Middleton High School and this is his third year working with Masquerade. Starting the season as the new captain, he discusses the requirements necessary to acquire the position and the steps he took to get there. 2017-10-2200 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Sonny's Enterprises @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017DescriptionBeing apart of FIRST Robotics as a student can bring in a world of possibilities for you and your future. David Guzman is a prime example of this. In high school he was a member of FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1251 Tech-Tigers as the team's lead designer with mentors from Sonny's Enterprises, engineering and manufacturing for car wash equipment. After graduating high school, Sonny's was very impressed with his work in FIRST and was offered an internship. Today, David is a mechanical engineer working full time with Sonny's leading the new product development in the...2017-10-2113 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Sonny's Enterprises @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017Being apart of FIRST Robotics as a student can bring in a world of possibilities for you and your future. David Guzman is a prime example of this. In high school he was a member of FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1251 Tech-Tigers as the team's lead designer with mentors from Sonny's Enterprises, engineering and manufacturing for car wash equipment. After graduating high school, Sonny's was very impressed with his work in FIRST and was offered an internship. Today, David is a mechanical engineer working full time with Sonny's leading the new product development in the engineering department. He...2017-10-2100 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Society of Aeronautics and Rocketry @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017DescriptionROBOTICON Tampa Bay focuses a lot of it's attention on FIRST Robotics but the event holds so much more. This event also showcases some of the clubs from the University of South Florida such as the Society of Aeronautics and Rocketry, also known as SOAR. SOAR is a student run club that dedicates their free time to design, build, and understand rockets. Our team was lucky enough to interview the President of SOAR, Jonathan Fitzer. He discussed the club's main objectives throughout the year from competition through NASA to real life work experience to...2017-10-2110 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Society of Aeronautics and Rocketry @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017ROBOTICON Tampa Bay focuses a lot of it's attention on FIRST Robotics but the event holds so much more. This event also showcases some of the clubs from the University of South Florida such as the Society of Aeronautics and Rocketry, also known as SOAR. SOAR is a student run club that dedicates their free time to design, build, and understand rockets. Our team was lucky enough to interview the President of SOAR, Jonathan Fitzer. He discussed the club's main objectives throughout the year from competition through NASA to real life work experience to aid future engineering...2017-10-2100 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)IncrediBotz (FLL 24334) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017DescriptionAt most FIRST events, you only get to see a single league, but at ROBOTICON Tampa Bay we get the opportunity to interact with everyone from FIRST LEGO League Jr. to FIRST Robotics Competition. We took advantage of the opportunity to speak with team members from FIRST LEGO League team 24334, the IncrediBotz. The team is made up of a group of friends who live in the same neighborhood who came together as a team after experiencing an outreach event.These kids provide a very different perspective on FIRST for several reasons. First, as a...2017-10-2108 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)IncrediBotz (FLL 24334) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017At most FIRST events, you only get to see a single league, but at ROBOTICON Tampa Bay we get the opportunity to interact with everyone from FIRST LEGO League Jr. to FIRST Robotics Competition. We took advantage of the opportunity to speak with team members from FIRST LEGO League team 24334, the IncrediBotz. The team is made up of a group of friends who live in the same neighborhood who came together as a team after experiencing an outreach event.These kids provide a very different perspective on FIRST for several reasons. First, as a rookie team last...2017-10-2100 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Edgar Allan Ohms (FRC 5276) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017DescriptionOne of the things that makes FIRST so interesting is the constant evolution of the program. In the beginning of FIRST Robotics Competition, teams were always based in high schools. Over time, schools joined forces to create teams while saving money. A few years ago, a new type of team was created for the first time: a team based out of a public library. Based at the Land O' Lakes Branch Library, the Edgar Allan Ohms have been a mainstay of FIRST Looks. This year we were joined by Joanna Sanders, the team's safety...2017-10-2012 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Edgar Allan Ohms (FRC 5276) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017One of the things that makes FIRST so interesting is the constant evolution of the program. In the beginning of FIRST Robotics Competition, teams were always based in high schools. Over time, schools joined forces to create teams while saving money. A few years ago, a new type of team was created for the first time: a team based out of a public library. Based at the Land O' Lakes Branch Library, the Edgar Allan Ohms have been a mainstay of FIRST Looks. This year we were joined by Joanna Sanders, the team's safety captain...2017-10-2000 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)SolidProfessor @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017DescriptionOne topic that comes up on our shows often is the idea that great ideas come from things that suck. In the case of SolidProfessor, the idea came from a lack of great training options for SolidWorks. The CAD software, which is popular with FIRST teams, has a lot of capabilities, but seemed to pose a challenge to a lot of people to learn. Tony Glockler co-founded the company in an attempt to create a scenario for students to learn the software in an interactive way, and also gives the students an easy way to refresh...2017-10-2013 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)SolidProfessor @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017One topic that comes up on our shows often is the idea that great ideas come from things that suck. In the case of SolidProfessor, the idea came from a lack of great training options for SolidWorks. The CAD software, which is popular with FIRST teams, has a lot of capabilities, but seemed to pose a challenge to a lot of people to learn. Tony Glockler co-founded the company in an attempt to create a scenario for students to learn the software in an interactive way, and also gives the students an easy way to refresh your skills. 2017-10-2000 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Ken Johnson, Director of FIRST Tech Challenge @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017DescriptionThe creators of ROBOTICON Tampa Bay work very hard every year to grow this fun filled weekend into the amazing event that it is today. Their passion and dedication definitely shines through in the smiles and excitement of the students. They were honored to have the Director of FIRST Tech Challenge, Ken Johnson, join in on the fun. And we were thrilled to get a chance to speak with him. As director, Ken is responsible to develop the program, which includes the game, rules and field field. Another important aspect is partnering with those...2017-10-2020 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Ken Johnson, Director of FIRST Tech Challenge @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017The creators of ROBOTICON Tampa Bay work very hard every year to grow this fun filled weekend into the amazing event that it is today. Their passion and dedication definitely shines through in the smiles and excitement of the students. They were honored to have the Director of FIRST Tech Challenge, Ken Johnson, join in on the fun. And we were thrilled to get a chance to speak with him. As director, Ken is responsible to develop the program, which includes the game, rules and field field. Another important aspect is partnering with those that...2017-10-2000 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Masquerade (FTC 4997) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017The more we learn about the Engineering and Robotics Program at Middleton High School in Tampa, Florida, the more we like it. Russell DeSousa, Head Designer for Masquerade (FIRST Tech Challenge 4997) and a Senior Mentor for the Middleton Robotics Club, stopped by to give us the inside scoop. Middleton's STEM Programs include Engineering, Biomedical, Game Design and Digital Electronics. The engineering program is structured with engineering design the first year, which transitions students from traditional learning methods and helps them adapt to the learning style offered in the program. Through the next two years, the...2017-10-1900 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Masquerade (FTC 4997) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017DescriptionThe more we learn about the Engineering and Robotics Program at Middleton High School in Tampa, Florida, the more we like it. Russell DeSousa, Head Designer for Masquerade (FIRST Tech Challenge 4997) and a Senior Mentor for the Middleton Robotics Club, stopped by to give us the inside scoop. Middleton's STEM Programs include Engineering, Biomedical, Game Design and Digital Electronics. The engineering program is structured with engineering design the first year, which transitions students from traditional learning methods and helps them adapt to the learning style offered in the program. Through the next two years...2017-10-1908 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Middleton Robotics @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017DescriptionAs the students continue along their journey in FIRST Robotics, they tend to move into leadership and mentoring roles. Erin Piacitelli, President of Middleton Robotics Club, is no exception. Erin has been coming to ROBOTICON Tampa Bay for years with her school's teams and she agrees that it's a great event to practice, train new team members and have a lot of fun. Middleton High School is a STEM Magnet School in Tampa, Florida that places an emphasis on robotics in a really wonderful way. It's not just a club, the kids also have...2017-10-1915 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Middleton Robotics @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017As the students continue along their journey in FIRST Robotics, they tend to move into leadership and mentoring roles. Erin Piacitelli, President of Middleton Robotics Club, is no exception. Erin has been coming to ROBOTICON Tampa Bay for years with her school's teams and she agrees that it's a great event to practice, train new team members and have a lot of fun. Middleton High School is a STEM Magnet School in Tampa, Florida that places an emphasis on robotics in a really wonderful way. It's not just a club, the kids also have robotics...2017-10-1900 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks Dishes on ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017DescriptionGet some inside info on the best aspects of being involved with Roboticon Tampa Bay and FIRST from a few members of our FIRST Looks team. Jacob, Marissa and Scott share some of their favorite stories and their love of robotics during a quick break in the day's interviews. Don't miss an opportunity to learn more about ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. You an check out all the fun by clicking here. Learn more about FIRST and all it has to offer by visiting their website. You can also learn...2017-10-1809 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks Dishes on ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017Get some inside info on the best aspects of being involved with Roboticon Tampa Bay and FIRST from a few members of our FIRST Looks team. Jacob, Marissa and Scott share some of their favorite stories and their love of robotics during a quick break in the day's interviews. Don't miss an opportunity to learn more about ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. You an check out all the fun by clicking here. Learn more about FIRST and all it has to offer by visiting their website. You...2017-10-1800 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Shiva Robotics Academy @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017DescriptionThe energy at a robotics tournament is almost unexplainable. It is truly electric. At first glance, a new observer may see a bunch of shy and serious kids busily scurrying around while working on various tasks for their teams. Some are repairing parts on the robots, some are going through inspections or helping set up the game field, while others are strategizing with members of other teams. Many of them are dressed in some type of costume. A first timer may think, wow this is different, as they enter this unique little world. And then the...2017-10-1814 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Shiva Robotics Academy @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017The energy at a robotics tournament is almost unexplainable. It is truly electric. At first glance, a new observer may see a bunch of shy and serious kids busily scurrying around while working on various tasks for their teams. Some are repairing parts on the robots, some are going through inspections or helping set up the game field, while others are strategizing with members of other teams. Many of them are dressed in some type of costume. A first timer may think, wow this is different, as they enter this unique little world. And then the competitions begin and...2017-10-1800 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Purple Fire Robotics @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017DescriptionOne of the best things about FIRST is their amazing alumni. Which is why were were excited to get the chance to speak with Eric Chan, FIRST Alumni and President of the Purple Fire Robotics Club at Florida Polytechnic University. Eric and his teammates were in attendance at 2017 ROBOTICON Tampa Bay for a couple of really great reasons. First, to show off and scrimmage the robot that the club built in the FIRST Tech Challenge Alumni Robot In One Weekend Challenge. They also came to volunteer at the event and for FIRST Outreach. 2017-10-1811 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Purple Fire Robotics @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017One of the best things about FIRST is their amazing alumni. Which is why were were excited to get the chance to speak with Eric Chan, FIRST Alumni and President of the Purple Fire Robotics Club at Florida Polytechnic University. Eric and his teammates were in attendance at 2017 ROBOTICON Tampa Bay for a couple of really great reasons. First, to show off and scrimmage the robot that the club built in the FIRST Tech Challenge Alumni Robot In One Weekend Challenge. They also came to volunteer at the event and for FIRST Outreach. 2017-10-1800 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Minotaur (FRC 1369) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017DescriptionWe are always inspired when we speak with students who take full advantage of all that FIRST has to offer. This was definitely the case with Briana McMurchie, who is a student at Middleton High School, a STEM Magnet school located in Tampa, FL. Brianna is a member and sub team lead for fabrication and chairman's award on FIRST Robotics Competition Team #1369 Minotaur.This is Briana's second year coming to ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. She enjoys this event because it's a great place to teach new team members the ins and outs of FIRST Robotics...2017-10-1712 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Minotaur (FRC 1369) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017We are always inspired when we speak with students who take full advantage of all that FIRST has to offer. This was definitely the case with Briana McMurchie, who is a student at Middleton High School, a STEM Magnet school located in Tampa, FL. Brianna is a member and sub team lead for fabrication and chairman's award on FIRST Robotics Competition Team #1369 Minotaur.This is Briana's second year coming to ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. She enjoys this event because it's a great place to teach new team members the ins and outs of FIRST Robotics and it's a...2017-10-1700 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)DescriptionIt was so great to kick off our 2017 ROBOTICON Tampa Bay coverage with the wonderful and enthusiastic Stacey Jones, Regional Partner for South Florida FIRST LEGO League Jr. and FIRST LEGO League. This is her second year in her current role, but she wears many hats as she is also a Mentor for FIRST Robotics Competition Team SPAM #180.Spend just a few minutes with Stacey or watch her out with the kids and you can't help but get excited about these awesome FIRST programs. Stacey's "all-in" approach gets the kids and families motivated to...2017-10-1706 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)It was so great to kick off our 2017 ROBOTICON Tampa Bay coverage with the wonderful and enthusiastic Stacey Jones, Regional Partner for South Florida FIRST LEGO League Jr. and FIRST LEGO League. This is her second year in her current role, but she wears many hats as she is also a Mentor for FIRST Robotics Competition Team SPAM #180.Spend just a few minutes with Stacey or watch her out with the kids and you can't help but get excited about these awesome FIRST programs. Stacey's "all-in" approach gets the kids and families motivated to learn and problem...2017-10-1700 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017 (Off-Season Event)Whether it be FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge or FIRST LEGO League, official competitions can be stressful. There's on-field performance, team scouting and judging, and all of that comes at the cost of teaching drivers and coaches the intricacies of the field. That is where the benefits of an off-season event come in. At an event like ROBOTICON Tampa Bay, teams don't need to worry about any of the additional aspects of a competition. Many teams use off-season events to teach new drivers and coaches without concern for performance. This year, the FIRST Looks team got...2017-10-1700 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2017 (Off-Season Event)DescriptionWhether it be FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge or FIRST LEGO League, official competitions can be stressful. There's on-field performance, team scouting and judging, and all of that comes at the cost of teaching drivers and coaches the intricacies of the field. That is where the benefits of an off-season event come in. At an event like ROBOTICON Tampa Bay, teams don't need to worry about any of the additional aspects of a competition. Many teams use off-season events to teach new drivers and coaches without concern for performance. This year, the FIRST...2017-10-172h 59FIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)The RoboShow @ Orlando Regional 2017DescriptionFIRST competitions are complicated, multi-faceted events. Because of that, multiple broadcasts are possible from the same event. While we spend time highlighting team members, coaches, mentors, staff and sponsors, RoboVisionOD and The RoboShow focus more on the matches themselves. Dan Swando spoke with us about the net work and program and how they work in the community. RoboVisionOD maintains a focus on broadcasting and publishing individual matches through YouTube, while The RoboShow features SportsCenter-style coverage of the elimination rounds of competition. These platforms allow people outside of Orlando to feel like they are at...2017-04-0508 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)The RoboShow @ Orlando Regional 2017FIRST competitions are complicated, multi-faceted events. Because of that, multiple broadcasts are possible from the same event. While we spend time highlighting team members, coaches, mentors, staff and sponsors, RoboVisionOD and The RoboShow focus more on the matches themselves. Dan Swando spoke with us about the net work and program and how they work in the community. RoboVisionOD maintains a focus on broadcasting and publishing individual matches through YouTube, while The RoboShow features SportsCenter-style coverage of the elimination rounds of competition. These platforms allow people outside of Orlando to feel like they are at the...2017-04-0500 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)The team at PLuGHiTz Live is very proud of FIRST Looks. Since its inception, even before its name, we have worked hard to bring awareness to the FIRST brand. This series was inspired by one person, Terri Willingham, Regional Director for FIRST in Central Florida. She has been our representative at FIRST for years and, more importantly, a great friend.FIRST STEAMWORKS is her last season with the organization and we will definitely miss her. We do, however, look forward to working with her on her new project, of bringing a robotics center to the Tampa Bay...2017-04-0200 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)DescriptionThe team at PLuGHiTz Live is very proud of FIRST Looks. Since its inception, even before its name, we have worked hard to bring awareness to the FIRST brand. This series was inspired by one person, Terri Willingham, Regional Director for FIRST in Central Florida. She has been our representative at FIRST for years and, more importantly, a great friend.FIRST STEAMWORKS is her last season with the organization and we will definitely miss her. We do, however, look forward to working with her on her new project, of bringing a robotics center to...2017-04-0221 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)The People of Manufacturing @ Orlando Regional 2017Not everyone at a FIRST competition is involved with a team. Some come to see how they, or their companies, can get involved with the organization. Some want to be sponsors, some want to be mentors and some see their companies as the next step after FIRST.Greg Serio, who founded The People of Manufacturing, sees himself in a couple of these roles. His organization focuses on adult education in the manufacturing space, including matching apprentices with professionals in their field of interest. Greg discusses how FIRST students, after graduating, could find themselves additional on-the-job training in...2017-04-0200 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)The People of Manufacturing @ Orlando Regional 2017DescriptionNot everyone at a FIRST competition is involved with a team. Some come to see how they, or their companies, can get involved with the organization. Some want to be sponsors, some want to be mentors and some see their companies as the next step after FIRST.Greg Serio, who founded The People of Manufacturing, sees himself in a couple of these roles. His organization focuses on adult education in the manufacturing space, including matching apprentices with professionals in their field of interest. Greg discusses how FIRST students, after graduating, could find themselves additional...2017-04-0210 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)We've gotten a lot of interesting viewpoints about competitions over the years. FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST LEGO League team members, coaches and sponsors, volunteers, Affiliate Partners, Regional Directors and organizers, but we have never seen all the way behind the curtain: a view from Headquarters.We had the opportunity to speak with Gabrielle Golden, Manager of Field Operations for FIRST. She travels each weekend to various events to see how they are run and collects tips and tricks for other events. She tries to appear at new events, as well as events celebrating...2017-04-0200 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)DescriptionWe've gotten a lot of interesting viewpoints about competitions over the years. FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST LEGO League team members, coaches and sponsors, volunteers, Affiliate Partners, Regional Directors and organizers, but we have never seen all the way behind the curtain: a view from Headquarters.We had the opportunity to speak with Gabrielle Golden, Manager of Field Operations for FIRST. She travels each weekend to various events to see how they are run and collects tips and tricks for other events. She tries to appear at new events, as well...2017-04-0214 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)With almost 20 years under its belt, the Orlando Regional is a great place for Regional Directors and Affiliate Partners to learn about some of the tips and tricks of running an event. This year the team was joined by the FIRST Tech Challenge Affiliate Partner for the Netherlands. Marieke Peelen was here to see some of the ins and outs of a FIRST Robotics Competition, with the intention of trying an event in Europe in the future. Fortunately, the weekend wasn't all about work. She got the opportunity to talk to teams from all over...2017-04-0100 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)DescriptionWith almost 20 years under its belt, the Orlando Regional is a great place for Regional Directors and Affiliate Partners to learn about some of the tips and tricks of running an event. This year the team was joined by the FIRST Tech Challenge Affiliate Partner for the Netherlands. Marieke Peelen was here to see some of the ins and outs of a FIRST Robotics Competition, with the intention of trying an event in Europe in the future. Fortunately, the weekend wasn't all about work. She got the opportunity to talk to teams from all...2017-04-0110 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)One of the things that currently exists within the Florida FIRST community that is fairly unique is our Alumni Association. This group, led by Barry Bohnsack, provides a variety of ways for students to continue their participation in FIRST programs after graduation. From volunteering with teams and at competitions to building competition-ready robots in a very short period, alumni have tons of opportunities.We spoke with Barry about one of our favorite programs for alumni - the Robot in 3 Days (FIRST Robotics Competition) and Robot in a Weekend (FIRST Tech Challenge). This program encourages students at Florida...2017-04-0100 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)DescriptionOne of the things that currently exists within the Florida FIRST community that is fairly unique is our Alumni Association. This group, led by Barry Bohnsack, provides a variety of ways for students to continue their participation in FIRST programs after graduation. From volunteering with teams and at competitions to building competition-ready robots in a very short period, alumni have tons of opportunities.We spoke with Barry about one of our favorite programs for alumni - the Robot in 3 Days (FIRST Robotics Competition) and Robot in a Weekend (FIRST Tech Challenge). This program encourages...2017-04-0114 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Edgar Allan Ohms (FRC 5276) @ Orlando Regional 2017DescriptionIn the 4 years that we have been covering the Orlando Regional, we have had the opportunity to see teams grow from rookies into real competitors. We have also had the opportunity to see members of our group grow within the FIRST organization. Some students have become mentors and FIRST VISTAs, and we have had some students join our broadcast team.One of those friends that has grown within the organization is Chuck Stephens. When we met him he was a house painter, musician, tinkerer and maker. Today he works for Pasco County Libraries where...2017-04-0111 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Edgar Allan Ohms (FRC 5276) @ Orlando Regional 2017In the 4 years that we have been covering the Orlando Regional, we have had the opportunity to see teams grow from rookies into real competitors. We have also had the opportunity to see members of our group grow within the FIRST organization. Some students have become mentors and FIRST VISTAs, and we have had some students join our broadcast team.One of those friends that has grown within the organization is Chuck Stephens. When we met him he was a house painter, musician, tinkerer and maker. Today he works for Pasco County Libraries where he is the...2017-04-0100 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST STEAMWORKS Gameplay Discussion @ Orlando Regional 2017DescriptionOne of the things that can sometimes be a challenge for our broadcast team at FIRST Robotics Competition early season events is getting a good grip on the game. Our team is far more familiar with FIRST Tech Challenge, so this event was our introduction to the game, outside of watching the announcement video during CES.During a break in the broadcast, Scott and Daniele discuss what they do and do not understand about the game, and make guesses about the way that teams will and will not interact with certain aspects of the...2017-03-3113 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)FIRST STEAMWORKS Gameplay Discussion @ Orlando Regional 2017One of the things that can sometimes be a challenge for our broadcast team at FIRST Robotics Competition early season events is getting a good grip on the game. Our team is far more familiar with FIRST Tech Challenge, so this event was our introduction to the game, outside of watching the announcement video during CES.During a break in the broadcast, Scott and Daniele discuss what they do and do not understand about the game, and make guesses about the way that teams will and will not interact with certain aspects of the game. They might...2017-03-3100 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Searing Engineering (FRC 1972) @ Orlando Regional 2017DescriptionJoining the Orlando Regional from California, we spoke to Martin Lizarraga from Searing Engineering. The team traditionally competed in San Diego, but every four years they like to branch out and experience a different environment. In the past they have competed in Hawaii, and this year they are in Orlando.As a senior, Martin is a driver for the team, placing all of the pressure on his drive team's shoulders. While the engineering team has the pressure in the first 6 weeks, now it is up to him and his drivers. He discusses the design...2017-03-3114 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Searing Engineering (FRC 1972) @ Orlando Regional 2017Joining the Orlando Regional from California, we spoke to Martin Lizarraga from Searing Engineering. The team traditionally competed in San Diego, but every four years they like to branch out and experience a different environment. In the past they have competed in Hawaii, and this year they are in Orlando.As a senior, Martin is a driver for the team, placing all of the pressure on his drive team's shoulders. While the engineering team has the pressure in the first 6 weeks, now it is up to him and his drivers. He discusses the design decisions that his...2017-03-3100 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Team Rembrandts (FRC 4481) @ Orlando Regional 2017DescriptionOne of the great parts of being one of the oldest competitions in FIRST is that teams from all over the world travel to Orlando to compete. This year, in addition to the more common locations, like Brazil, the Orlando Regional welcomed two teams from Turkey and two from the Netherlands. Tamara Hanegraff from Team Rembrandts spoke to us about the unique challenges her team faces.For example, while there is a growing FIRST Tech Challenge environment, there are only two FIRST Robotics Competition teams in the country. That means that there is not...2017-03-3108 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Team Rembrandts (FRC 4481) @ Orlando Regional 2017One of the great parts of being one of the oldest competitions in FIRST is that teams from all over the world travel to Orlando to compete. This year, in addition to the more common locations, like Brazil, the Orlando Regional welcomed two teams from Turkey and two from the Netherlands. Tamara Hanegraff from Team Rembrandts spoke to us about the unique challenges her team faces.For example, while there is a growing FIRST Tech Challenge environment, there are only two FIRST Robotics Competition teams in the country. That means that there is not an official competition...2017-03-3100 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)SigmaC@T Robotics (FRC 108) @ Orlando Regional 2017While SigmaC@T Robotics doesn't have the smallest team number in Florida, they are the longest continuously operating FIRST Robotics Competition team in the state. In fact, the team has been around longer than the Orlando Regional itself, running 23 seasons. We spoke with Maurice Solomon about his 4 years on the team. He has had a variety of positions over the years, including mechanical lead, captain and all-around guy. He started at his school with pottery and pivoted to robotics, which has kept his interest since. The team has changed a lot, but the support form...2017-03-3000 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)SigmaC@T Robotics (FRC 108) @ Orlando Regional 2017DescriptionWhile SigmaC@T Robotics doesn't have the smallest team number in Florida, they are the longest continuously operating FIRST Robotics Competition team in the state. In fact, the team has been around longer than the Orlando Regional itself, running 23 seasons. We spoke with Maurice Solomon about his 4 years on the team. He has had a variety of positions over the years, including mechanical lead, captain and all-around guy. He started at his school with pottery and pivoted to robotics, which has kept his interest since. The team has changed a lot, but the support...2017-03-3010 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Rock Star Robotics (FRC 6473) @ Orlando Regional 2017Within the FIRST community, it is not unusual for a student to start in FIRST LEGO League and graduate into FIRST Tech Challenge or FIRST Robotics Competition. It is also not uncommon for a whole team to take that journey together. What is less common is a team moving through all three leagues, but that is exactly what the rookie Rock Star Robotics team has done. Alexa Baires explains how she started with the team as a FIRST LEGO League member, upgraded to FIRST Tech Challenge and this year the team has joined FIRST Robotics...2017-03-3000 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Rock Star Robotics (FRC 6473) @ Orlando Regional 2017DescriptionWithin the FIRST community, it is not unusual for a student to start in FIRST LEGO League and graduate into FIRST Tech Challenge or FIRST Robotics Competition. It is also not uncommon for a whole team to take that journey together. What is less common is a team moving through all three leagues, but that is exactly what the rookie Rock Star Robotics team has done. Alexa Baires explains how she started with the team as a FIRST LEGO League member, upgraded to FIRST Tech Challenge and this year the team has joined FIRST...2017-03-3010 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)We have returned for the 19th Annual FIRST Robotics Competition Orlando Regional. There are 63 teams competing, including several from the Netherlands, and seven rookie teams. We speak with representatives from several of the teams, including the longest-running team in Florida, as well as a rookie team that has previously participated in FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge. In addition, we speak with a team from California, as well as one of the teams from the Netherlands. In addition to team members, we also speak with Gabrielle Golden from FIRST Headquarters, Terri Willingham, Regional Director...2017-03-3000 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)DescriptionWe have returned for the 19th Annual FIRST Robotics Competition Orlando Regional. There are 63 teams competing, including several from the Netherlands, and seven rookie teams. We speak with representatives from several of the teams, including the longest-running team in Florida, as well as a rookie team that has previously participated in FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge. In addition, we speak with a team from California, as well as one of the teams from the Netherlands. In addition to team members, we also speak with Gabrielle Golden from FIRST Headquarters, Terri Willingham, Regional...2017-03-302h 33FIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Exploding Bacon Robotics (FRC 1902) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016One of the most important aspects of the FIRST experience is outreach. Teams are encouraged to participate in events to spread the word about FIRST programs and STEAM in general. Some teams take this idea to an extreme - in a good way. Jordan Shavell from FRC 1902, Exploding Bacon Robotics, spoke with us about the many aspects of her team. One unique aspect of Exploding Bacon is their new outreach initiative: FIRST Like A Girl. It encourages girls on FIRST teams around the world to tell their stories about their programs to show other girls...2016-11-0800 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Exploding Bacon Robotics (FRC 1902) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016DescriptionOne of the most important aspects of the FIRST experience is outreach. Teams are encouraged to participate in events to spread the word about FIRST programs and STEAM in general. Some teams take this idea to an extreme - in a good way. Jordan Shavell from FRC 1902, Exploding Bacon Robotics, spoke with us about the many aspects of her team. One unique aspect of Exploding Bacon is their new outreach initiative: FIRST Like A Girl. It encourages girls on FIRST teams around the world to tell their stories about their programs to show other...2016-11-0809 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)12 Volt Bolt (FRC 1557) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016When it comes to FIRST, every student's experience is a little different. While some team members, like our own Daniele, join the program later in school, others join early. Brant Norris, the Co-Captain of FRC 1557, 12 Volt Bolt, falls into the latter category. Starting in FIRST LEGO League at the age of 9, he joined 12 Volt Bolt after moving to the area. As a senior, he plans on going into electrical engineering, which was inspired by his time getting hands-on experience through FIRST. Like many FRC team members this year, his most difficult...2016-11-0800 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)12 Volt Bolt (FRC 1557) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016DescriptionWhen it comes to FIRST, every student's experience is a little different. While some team members, like our own Daniele, join the program later in school, others join early. Brant Norris, the Co-Captain of FRC 1557, 12 Volt Bolt, falls into the latter category. Starting in FIRST LEGO League at the age of 9, he joined 12 Volt Bolt after moving to the area. As a senior, he plans on going into electrical engineering, which was inspired by his time getting hands-on experience through FIRST. Like many FRC team members this year, his most difficult and...2016-11-0808 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Red Hurricane (FRC 5606) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016While ROBOTICON Tampa Bay is not an official competition with Championship implications, they did welcome their first ever international team in 2016. FIRST Robotics Competition team 5606, Red Hurricane, traveled to Tampa from Shenyang, Liaoning in China specifically to compete in this off-season event. RuoYi Lu, a Grade 11 student and captain of the team, talked with us about FIRST Robotics Competition in China, their first ever official regional in the country, the growing influence the program has on students and his hopes for the future of the program. He also discussed the team's participation in other international...2016-11-0800 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Red Hurricane (FRC 5606) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016DescriptionWhile ROBOTICON Tampa Bay is not an official competition with Championship implications, they did welcome their first ever international team in 2016. FIRST Robotics Competition team 5606, Red Hurricane, traveled to Tampa from Shenyang, Liaoning in China specifically to compete in this off-season event. RuoYi Lu, a Grade 11 student and captain of the team, talked with us about FIRST Robotics Competition in China, their first ever official regional in the country, the growing influence the program has on students and his hopes for the future of the program. He also discussed the team's participation in other...2016-11-0812 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST LEGO League @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016DescriptionBecause Florida is such a large state, FIRST LEGO League is divided into several smaller leagues to provide easier competition for the teams. Beth Hanning is the Affiliate Partner for Northwest Florida, and is responsible for helping to organize events, get teams started and to teach the leaders of the teams. She spoke with us about some of the details of her position, and what she enjoys most - coaching coaches and coaching teams. She also helped to explain this year's FLL game information. Beth is also involved with the SOFWERX facility in Tampa...2016-11-0808 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)FIRST LEGO League @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016Because Florida is such a large state, FIRST LEGO League is divided into several smaller leagues to provide easier competition for the teams. Beth Hanning is the Affiliate Partner for Northwest Florida, and is responsible for helping to organize events, get teams started and to teach the leaders of the teams. She spoke with us about some of the details of her position, and what she enjoys most - coaching coaches and coaching teams. She also helped to explain this year's FLL game information. Beth is also involved with the SOFWERX facility in Tampa. This...2016-11-0800 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Edgar Allan Ohms (FRC 5276) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016DescriptionMost FIRST Robotics Competition teams are based out of one or more schools, there are some exceptions. Edgar Allan Ohms, based in Land O' Lakes, is one of those exceptions. The team is the first FRC team based in a public library in the nation. Because of the team, the library has built a makerspace to support the team. Today, the makerspace sees over 100 people per day. Miller Bacon, the Lead Engineer and only remaining original member, came by to talk to us about the library and the team. He discussed the changes from...2016-11-0710 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Edgar Allan Ohms (FRC 5276) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016Most FIRST Robotics Competition teams are based out of one or more schools, there are some exceptions. Edgar Allan Ohms, based in Land O' Lakes, is one of those exceptions. The team is the first FRC team based in a public library in the nation. Because of the team, the library has built a makerspace to support the team. Today, the makerspace sees over 100 people per day. Miller Bacon, the Lead Engineer and only remaining original member, came by to talk to us about the library and the team. He discussed the changes from the...2016-11-0700 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Nerdvana (FRC 4769) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016DescriptionThis past season was an interesting one for many FIRST Robotics Competition teams, mostly because FIRST Stronghold, this year's game, was very unique. A large variety of ways to score and a combination of finesse and brute force made Stronghold different from any game in recent memory. Some teams rose to the challenge and others struggled. One of the teams that succeeded in Stronghold was FRC 4769 Nerdvana. Melody McGinness, a senior and team President, spoke with us about her team's great season, the team's history and her plans after FIRST. While she doesn't plan...2016-11-0709 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Nerdvana (FRC 4769) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016This past season was an interesting one for many FIRST Robotics Competition teams, mostly because FIRST Stronghold, this year's game, was very unique. A large variety of ways to score and a combination of finesse and brute force made Stronghold different from any game in recent memory. Some teams rose to the challenge and others struggled. One of the teams that succeeded in Stronghold was FRC 4769 Nerdvana. Melody McGinness, a senior and team President, spoke with us about her team's great season, the team's history and her plans after FIRST. While she doesn't plan on...2016-11-0700 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)GRA-V (FRC 5816) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016One of the most unique experiences you can have in FIRST is to be part of a rookie team. FRC 5816, GRA-V, had their rookie season in the 2016 game, FIRST Stronghold, and Vice President and NEMO Lead Kaitlyn Bowman came to speak about that experience. The team won the Rookie Award at the Orlando Regional, and got an invitation to participate in World Championship. In addition, Kaitlyn is a member of a brand new FIRST Tech Challenge team, which is so new it doesn't have a number yet. Velocity Vortex, the 2016-2017 game, will be their...2016-11-0700 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)GRA-V (FRC 5816) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016DescriptionOne of the most unique experiences you can have in FIRST is to be part of a rookie team. FRC 5816, GRA-V, had their rookie season in the 2016 game, FIRST Stronghold, and Vice President and NEMO Lead Kaitlyn Bowman came to speak about that experience. The team won the Rookie Award at the Orlando Regional, and got an invitation to participate in World Championship. In addition, Kaitlyn is a member of a brand new FIRST Tech Challenge team, which is so new it doesn't have a number yet. Velocity Vortex, the 2016-2017 game, will be...2016-11-0710 minFIRST Looks (Video)FIRST Looks (Video)Cigar City Multirotors @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016This year, our staff took responsibility for the technical aspects of ROBOTICON, including video on the JUMBOTRON and live streamed on Facebook. One angle that we have never had before at our competition is a moving aerial shot. Luckily, one of the event partners made this a reality. Cigar City Multirotors is a local flying club, and Zac Lessin, Vice President of the club, came to speak to us about the group, what they do and how to join. He also discussed how they planned to help us enhance our live video through the use...2016-11-0700 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Cigar City Multirotors @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016DescriptionThis year, our staff took responsibility for the technical aspects of ROBOTICON, including video on the JUMBOTRON and live streamed on Facebook. One angle that we have never had before at our competition is a moving aerial shot. Luckily, one of the event partners made this a reality. Cigar City Multirotors is a local flying club, and Zac Lessin, Vice President of the club, came to speak to us about the group, what they do and how to join. He also discussed how they planned to help us enhance our live video through the...2016-11-0712 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Team Duct Tape (FTC 2845) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016DescriptionOne FIRST team that has a special place in our cast's hearts is Team Duct Tape, and that is because both of our hosts are alumni of the team. The team got started when some students of a FIRST LEGO League graduated out of the program and has grown into one of the Florida powerhouses, being invited to Super Regional and World Championship competitions in past seasons. Jacob Cannon, who has been on the team for several seasons, talks with his former teammates about this year's FIRST Tech Challenge game and how Team Duct...2016-11-0708 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Hanning LLC @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016DescriptionThe programs of FIRST are possible only through the time and efforts of volunteers, and a competition like ROBOTICON requires a wide variety of people to make it possible. One of our volunteers this year was Todd Hanning, who helped keep the room energetic by DJing, but that's not all he does. Hanning has been involved with FIRST alumni, along with other students, at Florida Polytechnic University in developing a new product. In addition, he was also involved in the beginning of SOFWERX, a STEM facility that supports FIRST events, including hosting the FIRST...2016-11-0719 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Squirtle Squad Scholars (FLL 302) @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016DescriptionOf the four programs in the FIRST family, the one that can often surprise is FIRST LEGO League. The students are younger, starting in 4th grade, and the machines are smaller, but that is truly what makes these robots so impressive. These small, LEGO-constructed robots are able to accomplish a great deal on their field. Abigail Peterson, a graduated member of FIRST LEGO League team 302, Squirtle Squad Scholars, spoke with us about her experiences with FIRST and with her team. She also discusses the aspect of FLL that sets the program apart from its...2016-11-0711 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Florida Polytechnic University @ ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016DescriptionIt Takes Alumni to pull off the Biggest and Best ROBOTICON yet. Florida Polytechnic Student and FIRST Alumni, Zachary Weingarten joined us to discuss ROBOTICON, FIRST and the Robotics Club at Florida Polytechnic University. Zachary is a sophomore at the newly formed tech school located in Lakeland, Florida and has been an instrumental part of everything that made this weekend a success. The Robotics Club started with just a couple of students during the school's inaugural year in 2016 and is growing rapidly with about 30 students this year. They have alumni from FIRST...2016-11-0109 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)ROBOTICON Tampa Bay 2016 (Off-Season Event)DescriptionWhile the stress and challenge of an official competition is a lot of fun, there is nothing in the FIRST Robotics realm quite like an off-season event. Organized by the Eureka! Factory, in partnership with the University of South Florida and the Florida FIRST Alumni Association, ROBOTICON Tampa Bay has become both a team and fan favorite. This year, the FIRST Looks team got a chance to speak with team members from FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition team, plus a FIRST LEGO League Affiliate Partner and program partners. One...2016-11-012h 38FIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Robotics of Central Florida @ Orlando Regional 2016DescriptionThe Orlando Regional is organized by a team of people, including alumni, regional directors and partners. Terri Willingham, the Regional Director for FIRST Robotics of Central Florida is on that team and discusses FIRST Stronghold as a game and its theming, including the fact that it was developed in cooperation with Disney and how it compares to past games. She also discusses the event itself and what it takes to put it together. Sponsored by: Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that...2016-06-0618 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Lakerbotics (FRC 1649) @ Orlando Regional 2016DescriptionSome volunteers at FIRST events come with their teams, while others volunteer even when their teams aren't there. Chris Becker from Lakerbotics (FRC 1649) volunteered as a Student Ambassador to give tours to sponsors, VIPs and more. He discusses what his day is like as an Ambassador, what it means for him and what he gets out of the volunteering. We also discuss the ups and downs of Stronghold and how the team has overcome the new challenges. Sponsored by: Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface...2016-06-0616 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Bionic Tigers (FRC 1592) @ Orlando Regional 2016DescriptionEvents as big as the Orlando Regional require a lot of volunteers, and some of those volunteers require a lot of knowledge about the FIRST itself. For example, someone giving tours of the pits and field must know about FIRST, FIRST Robotics Competition, Stronghold, etc. Riley Branch from Bionic Tigers (FRC 1592) volunteers as a Student Ambassador, providing exactly those services to VIP guests, sponsors and more. She discusses her experiences as a Student Ambassador for 4 years, the types of questions she gets and how it has affected her. We also discuss the team, how long it's...2016-06-0621 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST LEGO League @ Orlando Regional 2016DescriptionOne of the great things about FIRST is that it is one big community. No matter your age or league, everyone feels a connection. Because of that, at a FIRST Robotics Competition regional, there is representation from FIRST LEGO League. Beth Hanning, the Florida Northwest Region Partner for FIRST LEGO League, talked to us about the program and how it relates to the event. We also discussed SOFWERX, a facility in Tampa that has gotten involved with FIRST, even hosting the local FIRST Stronghold Kick Off. Sponsored by: Whether you're programming a robot...2016-06-0613 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Exploding Bacon (FRC 1902) @ Orlando Regional 2016DescriptionOne of the challenges that every FIRST team from any league faces is mentorship. Some teams find individuals who are well-versed in a particular aspect of FIRST to help, while others find an organization that can provide multiple mentors in a variety of areas. The latter is how Exploding Bacon (FRC 1902) runs, getting help from Comcast, in particular Universal Parks. Matthew Miller helps coordinate volunteers from the company to mentor the team in everything from engineering to outreach. When he's not doing that, he works within the parks to research and implement new technology for future...2016-06-0619 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)S.P.A.M. (FRC 180) @ Orlando Regional 2016DescriptionWhile some of our students start with FIRST Robotics Competition, others like Marie Bartnick from S.P.A.M. (FRC 180) get their starts with FIRST LEGO League and graduate into the bigger programs. She discusses with us her experiences in both leagues, the things she has learned and the challenges her team faced during this year's game. Sponsored by: Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get yours at the Microsoft Store. Follow PLuGHiTz Live on...2016-06-0613 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Torque Team (FRC 5283) @ Orlando Regional 2016DescriptionAll FRC team members have to have an initial season, which is the case for Sam Estes from Torque Team (FRC 5283). He has joined the team's new business team, which is responsible for ensuring the whole team has enough money to support the season, as well as helps implementing fundraising efforts. We talk to him about his experience in FIRST, his team and his thoughts on the game. Sponsored by: Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get...2016-06-0211 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Team Banana (FRC 945) @ Orlando Regional 2016DescriptionOne of the most interesting parts of the FIRST community is that many students never leave. After graduation, many of us continue to participate as judges, referees, mentors and sponsors. Libby Eastman from Team Banana (FRC 945) has returned to FIRST as a team mentor after being part of the program as a student. We talk to her about her experiences on both sides of the program. Sponsored by: Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get yours at...2016-06-0210 minFIRST Looks (Audio)FIRST Looks (Audio)Orlando Regional 2016 (FIRST Robotics Competition)DescriptionWe start our adventure with FIRST Looks at the 18th Annual FIRST Robotics Competition Orlando Regional. This year there are 63 competing teams, and we will speak to representatives of some of them, as well as sponsors, mentors, league Partners and Regional Director Terri Willingham. Sponsored by: Whether you're programming a robot, playing a game or doing homework, the Microsoft Surface is the tablet that can replace your laptop. Get yours at the Microsoft Store. Follow PLuGHiTz Live on Twitter: PLuGHiTzLive; Facebook: PLuGHiTz Live! Radio; Google+: PLuGHiTz LiveParticipants...2016-06-022h 30F5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Audio)F5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Audio)Episode 427DescriptionThis week, CES 2016 is bigger, better and... did you see shrimp? Because I did.ParticipantsScott ErtzHostScott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school...2016-01-0356 minF5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Video)F5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Video)Episode 427DescriptionThis week, CES 2016 is bigger, better and... did you see shrimp? Because I did.ParticipantsScott ErtzHostScott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school...2016-01-0356 minThe 3000 Brigade Presents (Audio)The 3000 Brigade Presents (Audio)Road to MizuCon - Episode 25DescriptionThis week, it's finally time for the 10th installment of our stage show at Mizucon 2015! We're joined by F5 Live: Refreshing Technology talking with the cast and crew about this and past shows.ParticipantsScott ErtzHostScott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working...2015-10-0955 minF5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Audio)F5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Audio)Mizucon 2015 - Episode 416DescriptionThis week, we are at Mizucon 2015 with the 3000 Brigade, talking about their upcoming show with 3000 Brigade Podcast host Trey Davis and much of the rest of the cast.ParticipantsScott ErtzHostScott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting...2015-10-0955 minF5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Video)F5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Video)Mizucon 2015 - Episode 416DescriptionThis week, we are at Mizucon 2015 with the 3000 Brigade, talking about their upcoming show with 3000 Brigade Podcast host Trey Davis and much of the rest of the cast.ParticipantsScott ErtzHostScott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting...2015-10-0955 minF5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Audio)F5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Audio)Episode 383DescriptionThis week, a new year, a new studio and a CES recap.ParticipantsScott ErtzHostScott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working...2015-01-111h 43F5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Video)F5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Video)Episode 383DescriptionThis week, a new year, a new studio and a CES recap.ParticipantsScott ErtzHostScott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working...2015-01-111h 43F5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Audio)F5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Audio)Episode 382 - CES 2015 Pre-ShowDescriptionThis week, we're back in Vegas and ready to talk tech! Eric Palonen from Denon Professional and Marantz Professional premieres two products: a business body camera and a multi-platform screen streaming platform.ParticipantsScott ErtzHostScott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on...2015-01-0456 minF5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Video)F5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Video)Episode 382 - CES 2015 Pre-ShowDescriptionThis week, we're back in Vegas and ready to talk tech! Eric Palonen from Denon Professional and Marantz Professional premieres two products: a business body camera and a multi-platform screen streaming platform.ParticipantsScott ErtzHostScott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on...2015-01-0456 minF5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Audio)F5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Audio)Episode 381DescriptionThis week, Sony's gone mad and we're off to Vegas soon!ParticipantsScott ErtzHostScott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with...2014-12-211h 24F5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Video)F5 Live: Refreshing Technology (Video)Episode 381DescriptionThis week, Sony's gone mad and we're off to Vegas soon!ParticipantsScott ErtzHostScott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with...2014-12-211h 24