Lake County Robotics Competition

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Lake County Robotics Competition

A showcase of innovation and talent

The LCRC introduces 7th-12th grade students to engineering, robotics and computer science using an affordable and accessible robotics competition. The LCRC is organized by the College of Lake County Transfer Engineering Department. We want students to have the opportunity to experience STEM education in a fun, competitive, critical-thinking manner.

Why participate in this competition?

Typically it costs between $5,000-$10,000 for one team to compete in a robotics competition. Many students do not get the opportunity to participate because of the high cost and time commitment. Some prospective participants also lack the help and guidance needed to get up and running. The Lake County Robotics Competition aims to change that! With free loaner kits available, the startup cost for a team to compete is minimal. We also provide guidance from CLC Engineering students during Saturday build days at the Baxter Innovation Lab on CLC's Grayslake Campus.

How to Participate

Participants may be teams or individuals.
Individuals who are not part of a team can sign up by enrolling through the CLC Personal Enrichment Engage program. Call (847) 543-2980 or email cpeinfo@clcillinois.edu for assistance.
Teams interested in participating can contact Rob Twardock at rtwardock@clcillinois.edu to register or complete an online application for 2024.
Participants in the Explore class will be provided with a kit to use as part of a team project.
Mentors are needed to help teams with technical questions. Prospective mentors can apply to be Baxter Innovation Lab volunteers.
Contact CLC Faculty Rob Twardock at rtwardock@clcillinois.edu with questions.

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The Lake County Robotics Competition is envisioned as a low cost, low barriers introduction to robotics using a competition framework. It is an alternative to the more formal competitions such as Vex or First Robotics. LCRC is a logical next step to students aging out of the 4H Robotics Showcase, but open to 7th thru 12th grade students brand new to robotics.
The competition is platform neutral – allowing any platform of robotics kit to be used, including Tetrix, Vex, or others.
LCRC rules are a trimmed-down version of a typical FTC competition, such as placing ping pong balls in a waste basket at the perimeter of a small field made from 2"x4"s. An autonomous mode requiring programming is incorporated as an optional element. The field is made of inexpensive, easily assembled parts.
Participants should commit to building and programming their robots over the course of the school year. The number of hours required depends on the skill level, but a minimum of 30 hours would be expected.
CLC Engineering students and interns are available to help participants design and build their robots. CLC owns 35 Tetrix kits that can be loaned out free to schools in need of a kit. Kits will be loaned out on a yearly basis. Participants will be approved for free kits based on the need and availability of kits. Saturday build days will be held, in conjunction with the Explore classes, to help teams with their builds.
Other online resources include (Google account required to view):

Event Dates

2024

Sept. 15: Coaches Meeting
Nov. 1: Kickoff Video Available
Jan. 13, 10 a.m.: LCRC Live Kickoff Live in T115 on CLC's Grayslake Campus
Also available on Zoom
Feb. 10, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Challenge1: Herding in T115
Mar. 12, 5-7 p.m.: Challenge 2: Placing Balls in T115
Apr. 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: LCRC Finals at Maker Faire Lake County in CLC gym

The Competition

Each year the competition normally kicks off in January. Students may participate as part of a school team, on a team formed independently, or by signing up for the Lake County Robotics Competition Engage class. The Engage CLRC class will meet on Saturdays live in person at the Grayslake Campus 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. in February, March, and April.

Register for the LCRC Explore class

For more information, contact CLC Engineering Department Chair Rob Twardock at rtwardock@clcillinois.edu.

Younger students interested in robotics may register for CLC's 4H Robotics Spin clubs, which will meet on the same day (Saturdays) in February and March.

The 4H Robotics teams will participate in the 4H Robotics Showcase at CLC in April. Participants will also be invited and encouraged to participate in the Maker Faire Lake County, also in April.

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