Hans Wolf, coach of team Minotaur, explains FIRST

 Organizers estimated 14000 visitors to the USF Engineering Expo over the past two days, making for standing room only 

TDT member Chris K giving a little robot education

 in the FIRST robotics room many times!  Today, the crowds were a little thinner, but pretty much nonstop all day long.  There’s clearly tremendous interest in STEM opportunities for youth, and our FIRST brochures flew off the tables. 

We shared the exhibit room with State Champions, Minotaur, and their Middleton companion team, Ayonius Tyfonas, along with Domino Effect, from St. Petersburg, and ran demo matches and info sessions from 9am until the event ended at 4pm.   

 Our robot proved as robust as ever, managing the toughest of all challenges, being driven by young children!  Everyone had a great time, though, and hopefully we’ll see some new FLL and FTC teams develop in the Tampa Bay area over the next year. 

Driving our robot was the biggest treat, and children lined up for a chance to use the controller.   It was definitely a full weekend, but one well spent, and all four FTC teams went home with honorable mention awards from the University of South Florida for our well enjoyed Expo exhibit.  

Next stop, eWeek at Lockheed Martin in Orlando on Thursday and the Tampa Bay Engineers Week Banquet next Friday, where Ken Johnson will be the Keynote speaker.  Can’t wait!  

Ayonius Typhonas, Team Duct Tape and Minotaur at USF Engineering Expo