Norup Robotics Team Takes 3rd at State Competition

Submitted by Doug Rezanka

The Robotics team Mario Bros won third place in the Michigan State Championship on Saturday and are headed to the World Championship at Lawrence Technological University on May 19.

The team competed in the Robofashion and Dance category against five other teams from across the state. In Robofashion and Dance, the teams create a two- to four-minute show with multiple robots interacting with each other as well as the team members.

Mario Bros created a Nintendo-theme story based on characters from the Mario video game. The robots perform on two table that represent the stage. The boys arrange themselves around the stage and act as if they are playing a video game. The robots have sensor which guide them across the table and allow them to interact with the other robots and the human characters.

In their show, Bowser has captured Princess Peach and Mario and Luigi set out to rescue her. Suspense builds when Mario and Luigi have to fight off Bowser to free the Princess.

Robofashion and Dance allows the robotics team to demonstrate their STEM skills in a creative style. The boys have done a great job making sure the robots perform flawlessly and have created a fascinating set.

Mario Bros are Brenden Bowers, Kristopher Rezanka, Kevin Upcott, James Martin. Coaching are Doug Rezanka and Earl Upcott.

Come out to the Robofest World Championship to cheer on our team. More information can be found at www.robofest.net.

Go Mario Bros!!