On May 17, AURA helped run the Kiwi Challenge Auckland regionals at Massey University. The turnout was good, with 34 teams representing 15 different schools.
Eliminations were played with eight alliances of three. It was a very interesting elimination bracket. Out of the seven elimination matches there were five upsets. The finals were between the fifth ranked alliance (2901C and 2901A from Rangitoto College and 2919C from Kristin School) and the seventh ranked alliance (2919F from Kristin School, 2913A from Rutherford College and 2951B Ormiston). 2919F’s alliance won in three games.
The strategy of the game was noticeably different from previous events. Previously, the most dominant robots were slow but could score reliably on cone goals. At regionals, fast robots with fork-shaped manipulators were very successful, largely because they were able to descore cones very efficiently.
Thanks to Massey University for hosting and volunteering! The first scrimmage for Skyrise will be on June 7.
After the competition the AURA and Massey volunteers went to one of the Massey students’ houses for a barbecue. We had a great time, so thank you Hayden!
Members present at competition: Nathan, Rob, Matt, Abigail, Oliver, Lucas
Volunteer hours: 45