Starkville Students Prep for Robotics Competition

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) — Students in Starkville are gearing up to compete in the state robotics competition next month.

This robot could put the the Starkville High RoboJackets on top next month when they compete in the BEST State Robotics competition. Students who participate enhance their skills in math and science but also learn how to present and sell a product.

“So they’re not just learning about engineering. They’re also learning about the marketing side of producing a product, which is our robot and so there is a job for everyone. It’s not just for engineers, it’s for marketers as well,” says Robotics Coach Denise Adair.

There are nearly 40 students in the RoboJackets club this year. Shelby Adair is now a senior who’s been a member since the club began.

“Actually right now I’m writing the research paper that will be displayed in the engineering notebook at competition and so I think that’s my main contribution this year,” says Adair.

Students are required to transport and construct a wind turbine while also considering the environment. During her research, Adair says she discovered there is some controversy surrounding the use of wind turbines.

“People don’t like them at all, even though it’s a new clean source of energy, much better for the environment than fossil fuels and in the long run will be cheaper. The main reason they don’t like them is the initial costs and sometimes it’s inconvenient to transport them,” says Adair.

The state robotics competition will be held on Saturday, October 18th at Mississippi State University. This is the 4th year that the RoboJackets Robotics club will compete in state competition.