The year 2004 brought many changes within the team structure. A decision to use an advanced drive train consumed most of the season. While the team did not place in any competitions, the knowledge gained from experimenting with swerve drive was a benefit to team members that would prepare us for the next year.
In 2005, the FEDS played great matches and ended up being a back-up robot for eliminations at the Great Lakes Regional, West Michigan Regional, and the Championship Event.
After a semi-final loss at the Great Lakes Regional, the team placed 10th in the seeding matches at West Michigan. With the ability to score baskets autonomously as well as with human drivers, the FEDS were a powerful team throughout the season. At the National in Atlanta, Georgia, the FEDS won the Galileo Division, earning their first trip to the Einstein championship field. The team came out 3rd overall in the world.
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people, their schools and their communities.
The competitive science, technology and math related program is designed to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering. With the support of many of the world’s most well-known companies, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST Robotics Competition for high school students and the FIRST LEGO League for children 9-14 years old. To learn more about FIRST go to US FIRST's official site.
