STATE CHAMPS! RoboZone

RoboZone Podcast Episode #149 - FIM Top 20 Interviews - Team 70 - More Martians

Episode Description - In this episode, we catch up with Art Nowakowski from the More Martians, Team 70 out of Goodrich Michigan as part of the FIM Top 20 Interview series! This is our final interview in this series, and we will soon be releasing a survey to poll across the country for the Top 20 FRC Teams in the USA which will be voted on by YOU! Follow the podcast for more information on when that will be available. FIM Top 20 Interview: Art Nowakowski - Team 70 Team Website: https://www.t...

RoboZone Podcast Episode #148 - FIM Top 20 - Team 3098 The Captains

Episode Description - In this episode, we return with one of the last two episodes in our series on the FIM Top 20 Interviews. This time up we have Spencer Peat from the Team 3098 - The Captains! Spencer provides some history of the team and their secret sauce that keeps the Captains steering their ship for success! FIM Top 20 Interview: Spencer Peat - Team 3098 The Captains Team 3098 Sponsors: GM Waterford Foundation of Public Education Michigan Department of Education Team Website: https...

RoboZone Podcast Episode #147 - FIM Top 20 - Team 314 Big Mo

Episode Description - In this episode, we return to our series on the FIM Top 20 Interviews. This time up we have Ellen Crain from the Team 314 - Big Mo! Ellen provides some history of the team and there secret sauce that keeps bog mo steaming ahead! FIM Top 20 Interview: Ellen Crain - Team 314 Big Mo Team Sponsors: M Manufacturing Kettering University DS Solidworks Carman-Ainsworth Educational Foundation State of Michigan - Department of Education Flint Glass Service Adaptive Manufacturing...

Episode #146 - AI with IBM - Part #1

Episode Description - In this episode, we introduce a new monthly series of podcasts in conjunction with Kettering University and IBM. This series will include subjects of AI and Cryptocurrency. Special Guest Ruchir, Computer Scientist working for IBM, educates our panel on these subjects. We cover the history, current trends and what we look to see in the future. Kettering Go Pro Corner Update: Kim Shumaker John Wolfert Special Guest: Ruchir Puri - IBM Kettering Summer Camps: https://kett...

Episode #145 - FIM Top 20 Interviews - Team 217 - Thunder Chickens

Episode Description - In this episode, we catch up with Gary Yahr from the Thunder Chickens, Team 217 as part of the FIM Top 20 Interview series! FIM Top 20 Interview: Gary Yahr - Team 217 Team Website: https://www.thunderchickens.org/ Team 217 Sponsors: Talbert & Leota Abrams Foundation APTIV Deutronics McNaughton-McKay Utica Community Schools Macomb County Michigan Siemens BAE FCA Tennessee Industrial Electronics LLC (Master Robotics) Festo Indicon Corporation MNM Investment, LLC Jomat ...

Episode #144 - FIM Top 20 Interviews - Team 4003

Episode Description - In this episode, we catch up with Chad Potinsky from Team Trisonics, Team 4003 as part of the FIM Top 20 Interview series! FIM Top 20 Interview: Chad Potinsky - Team 4003 Team Website: http://www.allendalerobotics.com/teams/frc/about Team 4003 Sponsors: Alendale Public School Alro Steel JR Automation NASA ODL SOLIDWORKS Standale Lumber BUHLER DEWYS barnum Lumberman's FASTENAL Pro-Tech Heating and Cooling BIZSTREAM Dan Pfeiffer PTSolutions Vector

Episode #143 - FIM Top 20 Interviews - Team 33 Killer Bees

Episode Description - In this episode, we catch up with Jim Zondag from the Killer Bees, Team 33 as part of the FIM Top 20 Interview series! FIM Top 20 Interview: Jim Zondag - Team 33 Team Website: http://www.killerbees33.com/ Team 33 Sponsors: FCA Foundation Innovation First International TI Automotive VINTECH Industries Design Systems Inc. The Woodbridge Group Re-Sol JDM System Consultants BAE Systems CTR Electronics Michigan Department of Education National Instruments AICAS Realtime Aut...

Episode #142 - Kettering Kickoff History and FIM Top 20 Interview - Team GEMS 4362

Episode Description - In this episode, we catch up with John and Special Guest Bob Nichols from Kettering University to talk about the history of Kettering Kickoff which will happen again this September on the 18th and 19th. In addition, we interview James from Team 4362 as part of our FIM Top 20 Interview series! Kettering Go Pro Corner Update: Interviewee: John Wolfert Bob Nichols FIM Top 20 Interview: James Garrett - Team 4362 Team Website: http://gemsrobotics.com/ Team 4362 Sponsors: D...

Episode #141 - AI at KU Part Deux

RoboZone Podcast Episode #141 - AI at KU Part Deux Episode Description - In this episode we check in with John Wolfert and Andy Watchorn from Kettering University. Andy presents Part #2 of his presentation on Artificial Intelligence. Kettering Go Pro Corner Update: Interviewee: John Wolfert Andy Watchorn YouTube Link of the presentation: https://youtu.be/QJJB7hr8nuI

Episode #140 - AI at KU Part #1

Episode Description - In this episode we check in with John Wolfert and Andy Watchorn from Kettering University. Andy presents Part #1 of his presentation on Artificial Intelligence. If you have any questions related this presentation that you would like answered in Part #2 of Andy's presentation scheduled for next week please send those questions to [email protected]! Kettering Go Pro Corner Update: Interviewee: John Wolfert Andy Watchorn YouTube Link of the presentation: https:...

Episode #139 - KU Battlebots Update and FIM Top 20 Interview - Team Robostangs 548

In this episode, we catch up with John and the Kettering Battlebots Team on their progress to becoming an official Battlebots Team and what they have been up to since our last interview. In addition, we interview Robert from Team 548 as part of our FIM Top 20 Interview series! Kettering Go Pro Corner Update: Interviewee: John Wolfert Devin Spaulding Nick Lipcsik Howard Bartlett FIM Top 20 Interview: Robert Stonik - Team 548 Team Website: https://www.robostangs.com/ Team 548 Sponsors: GM Fo...

Episode #138 - Summer Camps and FIM Top 20 Interview - Team Bedford Express 1023

Episode Description - In this episode, we catch up with John and Mark to talk about the Summer Camps hosted at Kettering University and that you can enroll both mentors and students for. In addition, we interview Matt and Savana from Team 1023 as part of our FIM Top 20 Interview series! Kettering Go Pro Corner Update: Interviewee: John Wolfert Mark Taylor FIM Top 20 Interview: Matt K. and Savana F. - Team 1023 Team Website: http://www.bedfordexpress.org/ Team 1023 Sponsors: Forceview Recr...

Episode #137 - Romi Robot and FIM Top 20 Interview - Team 2337

Episode #136 - Kettering Student Leadership Camps and FIM Top 20 - Team 67

In this episode, we catch up with Kim and John and talk about Student Leadership Camps presented by Kettering University! In addition, we interview Scott Caradonna from Team 67 as part of our FIM Top 20 Interview series! Kettering Go Pro Corner Update: Interviewee: Kim Schumaker John Wolfert Student Interviewees: Dan - Team 7553 Hannah - Team 1218 Peyton - Team 3534 FIM Top 20 Interview: Scott Caradonna - Team 67 Team Website: https://www.hotteam67.org/ Team H.O.T. Sponsors: GM BOSCH BAE ...

Episode #135 - Kettering Virtual Chairman's and FIM Top 20 - Team 3707

Episode Description - In this episode, we present the audio recording form the Chairman's Virtual Showcase presented by Kettering University! In addition, we interview Nick Sitka from the Brighton Technodogs as part of our FIM Top 20 Interview series! Kettering Virtual Chairman's Showcase: Interviewee: Kim Schumaker Links: Team 7226 Chairman's Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgFQbBwVEkg. Team 1322 Chairman's Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uupSHmh8NUU&t=75s Team 5216 Chai...

Episode #134 - FIM Top 20 - The Bionic Black Hawks

Episode Description - In this episode, we have another Go Pro Corner Segment sponsored by Kettering University! In addition, we interview Kelley Cook from the Bionic Black Hawks as part of our FIM Top 20 Interview series! Kettering Go Pro Corner Interview: Kim Schumaker Scott Grasman Terry McDonald FIM Top 20 Interview: Kelley Cook - Team 2834 The Bionic Black Hawks Sponsors: GM Bloomfield Hills Schools FIRST Oakland Automation thyssenkrupp MAGNA NASA

Episode #133 - Kettering University FIRST Scholarship Winner Announcement!

Episode Description - In this episode, we announce the winners of the Kettering University FIRST Scholarship! Kettering Go Pro Corner Interview: Kim Schumaker John Wolfert

Episode #132 - Dr. Pete and a FIM Top 20 Interview - Team 3707

Episode Description - In this episode, we have a brand new and shiny Go Pro Corner Update with Special Guest Doctor Pete Gheresus. In addition we speak with Nick Sikma from the World Champ Brighton TechnoDogs for a FIM Top 20 Interview for this week. Kettering Go Pro Corner Interview: Doctor Pete Gheresus Team 3707 - Team Rush: Head Mentor - Nicholas Sikma Team Sponsors - Eberspacher GM Brighton Area Schools Brighton Lighthouse Promess Altair State of Michigan FCA Conely Auto Hitachi

Episode #131 - FIM Top 20 Dual Threat Interviews - Team 27 Rush and Team 862 Lightning Robotics

Episode Description - In this episode, we take a break with no Go Pro Corner Update but instead I had the privilege to interview the two FIM Top 20 teams this week with Team 27 Rush and Team 862 Lightning Robotics! Team 27 - Team Rush: Head Mentor - Kyle Hughes Team Sponsors - Diez Group TLS Productions BorgWarner Continental Structural Products McLaren Health Care WWi TechmodeGO FCA Foundation Dave and Alana Dorr Lawrence Plastics Dickinson Wright PLLC Team 27 Ruch Alumni AMT Department of...

Episode #130 - Kettering BattleBots Team and FIM Top 20 Team - Las Guerillas

Episode Description - In this episode, we take a break with no Go Pro Corner Update but instead I had the privilege to interview the Kettering University BattleBots Team. Next up an amazing FIM Top 20 interview with Marjie Jenkins from Team 469! Kettering Univeristy BattleBots Team - Sponsored by Kettering University: Luke Fenstermacher Howard Bartlett Devin Spaulding Team 469 - Las Guerillas: Head Mentor - Marjie Jenkins Team Sponsors - AAA 3D PRINTING AT cyb Llings Inc. Ford Motor Compan...

Episode #129 - Scout-A-Pooluza 2021

In this episode we check in with Kim for our weekly Go Pro Corner segment. Next up is an amazing interview with Scott and Owen on a 2021 Scout-A-Poolza event that is going on RIGHT NOW! Go Pro Corner Segment - Sponsored by Kettering University: Kimberly Schumaker - Kettering University FIRST Center Scouting Palooza 2021 Scott Elmer - Team 2451 Owen Frausto - Team 2451 For competition details and information on how to enter your team, visit: www.pwnagerobotics.org/scoutingpalooza. Thanks...

Episode #128 - FIM Top 20 - Stryke Force 2767 Interview!

Episode Description - In this episode, we check in with John and Kim for our weekly Go Pro Corner segment. Next up is an amazing interview with Cory Walters of Stryke Force FRC Team 2767 for the FIM Top 20 Teams. This is one of the interviews I will never forget! Go Pro Corner Segment - Sponsored by Kettering University: John Wolfert - Kettering University FIRST Center Kimberly Schumaker - Kettering University FIRST Center Conference Call Interviewees: Cory Walters - Team 2767 Stryke Force...

Episode #127 - Sustaining an FRC Team During COVID

In this episode, we check in with John and Kim for our weekly Go Pro Corner segment. We have a pre-recorded conference call held by Kettering University covering how to sustain a FRC Team during COVID which had a great amount of information and may just make you listen to this episode twice! Go Pro Corner Segment - Sponsored by Kettering University: John Wolfert - Kettering University FIRST Center Kimberly Schumaker - Kettering University FIRST Center Conference Call Interviewees: Kyle Hugh...

Episode #126 - FIM Top 20 - Team 1718 - The Fighting Pi Interview

In this episode, we check in with John and Kim for our weekly Go Pro Corner segment. We have our next interview in the series of FIRST in Michigan Top 20 Teams interviews with Craig from the Fighting Pi! Go Pro Corner Segment - Sponsored by Kettering University: John Wolfert - Kettering University FIRST Center Kimberly Schumaker - Kettering University FIRST Center Interviewees: Craig Roys - Team 1718 Team 1718 Sponsors: FCA Foundation NuStep, Inc ABB PMMI Foundation DCS Water Jet Cutting, ...

Episode #125 - FIM Top 20 - Team 1918 - NC Gears Interview

Episode Description - In this episode, we check in with John and Kim for our weekly Go Pro Corner segment. We also start the series of FIRST in Michigan Top 20 Teams interviews with Wayne from the NC Gears! In the upcoming weeks we will be sharing the other interviews we did over the holidays with all of representatives of the FIM Top 20 Teams. This was a great first interview and please keep in mind that there is no certain order for the interviews nor the Top 20 Teams for First in Michigan...

Episode #124 - Game Changers 2021 Kickoff Reaction

Episode Description - In this episode, I checking in with some of the past RoboZone guests and catch their reactions to the 2021 Game Changers Season Kickoff. They provide some suggestions for teams that are out there and may not have access to their locations to build a robot. Also what Rookie teams can do this year to have a successful Rookie season and build for the following season once things get back to normal. Interviewees: Cory Walters - Team 2767 Jon Uren - Team 1684 Marjie Jenkin...

Episode #122 - Learning to Podcast with Team RUSH 27

Episode Description - In this episode, I help educate and inspire the members of Team 27 - Team Rush on their journey to start a podcast of their own! The is a Kettering GO PRO Corner update that you will not want to miss and make sure to register your team for their season awards and games at www.kettering.edu/first Interviewees: Kyle Hughes - Team 27 Team 27 - Team Rush Students!

Episode #123 - Ketterings Upcoming Events!

Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with John and Kimberly from Kettering University about the great event opportunities that FRC teams can be part of starting in January of 2021! You don't want to miss this episode and all of the details that are provided. If you want more information please visit www.kettering.edu/first Interviewees: John Wolfert - Kettering University FIRST Center Kimberly Schumaker - Kettering University FIRST Center

Episode #121 - Upcoming Season Changes with the Guys

Episode Description - In this episode, some of our favorite guests join the podcast for a round table discussion on potential changes for the Replay of Infinite Recharge! They discuss potential impacts of COVID-19 on the season and how teams can prepare now for the upcoming season. Interviewees: Corey Walters - Team 2767 Jon Uren - Team 1684 Scott Stapp - Team 5084

Episode #120 - Chairman's Award with the LCRA!

In this episode, we have an all LCRA panel to discuss the Chairman's Award and how you can set up your team for success. With the COVID-19 Epidemic still upon us at the time of this recording we focus on robotics as a way to take our attention away from COVID-19 and focus on the highest honor in FIRST! Interviewees: Morgan Carstensen - Team 4776 Camryn Ihrke - Team 3536 Makalia and David Leclerc- Team 3707

Episode #119 - Infinite Recharge Week 2 - Lessons Learned Part Deux!

Episode Description - In this episode, with Week 2 of the Infinite Recharge Season in the books the panel discusses the lessons they have learned from competing in the first 2 weeks of the season. Park, from Team 5460, tells us how StrikeZone is getting prepared for Week 4 and what they have learned by watching the teams in Weeks 1 and 2. The COVID-19, also known and the Corona Virus, is discussed and impact thus far on the season. Interviewees: Chris Purdy - Team 3534 Jon Uren - Team 1684 ...

RoboZone Episode #118 - Infinite Recharge Lessons Learned from Week 1

RoboZone Episode #118 - Infinite Recharge Lessons Learned from Week 1 In this episode, I speak with Kyle, Cory, Clinton and Brandi about their experiences from Week 1 of the Infinite Recharge Competitive Season. Team Rush and the EngiNERDS formed a formidable alliance which won Blue Banners from Kettering 1 and provide their input on strategies that were used to accomplish their Win! We also discuss in detail the impact thus far from the "No Bag Rule". With Team 2767 and 2337 prepping for We...

Episode #118 - Infinite Recharge Lessons Learned from Week 1

RoboZone Episode #118 - Infinite Recharge Lessons Learned from Week 1 In this episode, I speak with Kyle, Cory, Clinton and Brandi about their experiences from Week 1 of the Infinite Recharge Competitive Season. Team Rush and the EngiNERDS formed a formidable alliance which won Blue Banners from Kettering 1 and provide their input on strategies that were used to accomplish their Win! We also discuss in detail the impact thus far from the "No Bag Rule". With Team 2767 and 2337 prepping for We...

Episode #117 - Catching up with Ruth from AndyMark - Pre-Week 1

In this episode I speak with Ruth Toomey from Andrmark. Not only does Ruth work for AndyMark, she also mentors two FRC teams, is a TV host, FIRST Volunteer and food expert. Ruth provides how things are running at AndyMark and their efforts to get the last minute needs for teams competing now that the Infinite Recharge competitive season is starting. She also provides some details on the Adopt-A-Engineer program that AndyMark provides to a couple lucky teams! Interview Participant: Ruth Toom...

Episode #116 - Build Week 5 with Metal Muscle and a FridgeBot

Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with the Don Ridge from Team 1506 Metal Muscle out of Kettering University and Scott Stapp from Team 5084 Team FridgeBot out of Corunna Michigan. Don, Scott and I chat about the Infinite Recharge Game, where they are in their builds for this season and how the "No Bag Rule" can impact a team thus far in the build season leading up to Week 1 of Infinite Recharge. Parker Duncan won our t-shirt giveaway from last week but you have to listen to se...

Episode #115 - FTC and FRC from Colorado with Jack!

Description: In this episode I speak with Jack Rumple whom actively participates as a mentor for 2 FTC Teams and 3 FRC Teams this season. We start the podcast episode by remembering the unselfish act of Kendrick Castillo as all of the teams will pay respect to him throughout the season. Next I speak with Jack on the FTC teams that are headed to the Colorado FTC State Championships. Finally we cover the FRC Game for this season and provide some advice for all levels of the FRC community. Int...

Episode #114 - Infinite Recharge from the Students Lens!

Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with an all student panel on the Infinite Recharge game! The provide their view points on the game, the aspects from hanging, shooting to ball pickup. They also provide some feedback and suggestions that Rookie Teams can use going forward within the game. Jack Rumple from Team Spectrum won our AndyMark Redline motor giveaway from last week but you have to listen to see what the awesome giveaway is for this week! Interviewees: Samantha White - T...

Episode #113 - Chatting with Danny Diaz about Infinite Recharge

Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with the infamous Danny Diaz from FIRST Headquarters. Danny and I chat about the Infinite Recharge Game, New Field Hardware in 2021 and Heat Maps! This is a jam packed episode of the podcast and not one you will want to miss. Scott Stap won our t-shirt giveaway from last week but you have to listen to see what the awesome giveaway is for this week! Interview - Danny Diaz - FIRST Headquarters

Episode #112 - Infinite Recharge with Nick from AndyMark

RoboZone Podcast Episode #112 – Infinite Recharge with Nick from AndyMark! Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with Nick from AndyMark. Nick and I review the Infinite Recharge game from Kickoff and Nick offers his thoughts on the game thus far and how he will be planning his team for the upcoming season. Nick also provides some suggestions on products you can purchase from AndyMark and how you can implement those into you robot designs for the game this year! Finally, after re...

Episode #111 - Infinite Recharge Reactions!

In this episode, I speak to and catch the first reactions to the infinite Recharge game announcement at Kickoff 2020! Jon, Cory, Nathan and myself speak to the challenges that the game presents, possible strategies team may use and also what a Rookie Team can do within this game to help their alliance win matches and possibly a Blue Banner. This is the first episode for the 2020 season and if you would like ot be a guest on the podcast please send an email to [email protected]! We lo...

Episode #110 - Holidays Holidays with Andy Baker and AndyMark!

In this episode, I speak with the legendary Andy Baker from AndyMark. He provides some great updates on how AndyMark is getting ready for the Ultimate Recharge season which is less then 2 week away! He provides some information on new products offered for the upcoming season and even teases us with some not yet announced products! We look back on the losses within the community and give thanks for what we have. This is not an episode you will want to miss. THANK YOU to all of those listener...

Episode #109 - REBROADCAST - All About the Swerve - One of Our Favorite Episodes!

In this episode, we revisit the episode covering the SWERVE. Cory, Jon, and Mark join the podcast and provide their insights and approach of how their teams use the Swerve drive. With Cory's extensive experience, Mark's teams' recent dive into the platform and Jon's team looking at a future implementation the Swerve platform is explained and how this platform is the latest and greatest topic that teams across the country are discussing. Interviewees: Jon Uren - Team 1684 Cory Walters - Team...

Episode #108 - FIRST Choice with Jerry Budd

Episode Description - In this episode, I speak with Jerry Budd about the FIRST Choice program that goes live for the Ultimate Recharge season on Friday, November 22nd at 12:00PM Eastern Standard Time. Jerry provides us with a history of the FIRST Choice program and his involvement, experiences, and agony of getting everything ready for this year's edition of the event. Jerry provides some examples of past items in the FIRST Choice program and also gives us some valuable advice on how mento...

Episode #107 - The Falcon 500 and other new Goodies!

Episode Description - In this episode, Jon and Scott provide their first impressions on the release of the new Falson 500 Brushless motor and how they are going to test these as soon as they have them in their hands. The group also talks about new additions to the ongoing list of releases for products that FRC teams can use now and in the coming season. If your team purchases any new products we would like to get you on the podcast to provide your valuable feedback and experiences. Also, if ...

Episode #106 - FTC, FRC and FTA experiences with Liz form AndyMark

Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with Liz Smith, an Application Engineer from AndyMark. Liz tells us about her vast FIRST experiences from growing up through the FIRST program to working with AndyMark as an Applications Engineer. Liz tells us about her experiences with writing documentation for instruction manuals, team branding, performing the duties as an FTA, and Drive Coach. It was a great interview and covers many aspects of Liz's life and what it is like being a FIRST al...

Episode #105 - AndyMark and Kettering's Mentors Camp!

Episode Description - In this episode, I first have a one on one discussion with Danny from AndyMark. Danny knows more about the FTC SkyStone game at this point then anyone with his involvement in the design of the field elements that AndyMark knows sells to the general public. Danny provides his interpretation of the game and also tells us what it is like to work for the world-famous AndyMark company. Next, we have Kim, John, and Scott that stop by for a quick interview about the Kettering ...

Episode #104 - Hot Take on Sky Stone Part 2 with a Loose Screw

Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with Chris Sommer from the Loose Screws. Chris provides us with his outlook on SkyStone. Chris and I discuss the game further and he informs us on how his team is approaching the game and what their plans are to overcome the limitations such as spacing on the field of play. Interviewee - Chris Sommers – The Loose Screws

Episode #103 - Hot Take on Sky Stone Part 1

Episode Description - In this episode, Jen an experienced FTC Mentor stops by right after the Sky Stone game reveal and provides her opinion on the game thus far. She provides some valuable strategy tips for approaching this game and also provides some valuable project management tips that any team, no matter the level, could use to position themselves in a better approach to any game. Interview - Jennifer Cellarius - Hartland FTC Teams #5290, 5957, 15104

Episode #102 - Special Episode! Thanking Don Bossi!

Episode Description - In this episode, Don Bossi, the President of FIRST stops by for his farewell interview on the RoboZone Podcast. Don will soon be leaving the FIRST Leadership group and he provides some insights on his tenure with FIRST. This was a very special interview in my opinion and hope you enjoy Don's thoughts on FIRST and what he will miss. Interviewees: Don Bossi - President, FIRST Inspires

Episode 101 - Hanging with Daniel "Danny" Diaz

In this episode, the infamous Daniel "Danny" Diaz stops by for an interview. Danny leads the Deep Space Game Development team and provides some insights on how the games each year is designed integrated on and implemented. He provides a great deal of information on the inner working of FIRST from his experiences as a FIRST Inspires employee. This is NOT an episode you will want to miss. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXU4jbGRZNE&fbclid=IwAR07KQYoJhyBf6uwzgji0P1PwaaGU_dbJhCzxP9-7...