Calhoun Community College hosted the Tennessee Valley Boosting Engineering Science and Technology (BEST) robotics competition Saturday, Nov. 11, for middle and high schools at its Decatur campus, where Athens Bible School Trobotics took the top award for the second year.

Schools competed in technical documentation, presentation, booth exhibit, team spirit, and robot performance, vying for the BEST Overall award. ABS and second-place BEST Overall finisher Decatur Austin Robotics Coalition, plus Randolph School and Crossroads Christian Academy as the third and fourth place finishers in robot performance, go to the South’s BEST Regional competition Dec. 1-3 at the University of North Alabama where they face winners of BEST hubs from all over the Southeast. BEST hosts three regional tournaments nationally to complete the season.

Lori Rhone, Tennessee Valley BEST co-director, who works at Calhoun as an Additive Manufacturing & Engineering Design Technology Instructor, said the BEST Robotics league perfectly fits Calhoun’s STEM education niche in the community.

Students kicked off the season on Sept. 16, with the theme reveal “Incision Decision,” a medical-based simulation that challenged teams to produce and promote a surgical robot. Teams had seven weeks to complete deliverables centered around the theme and their fictional medical technology company. They worked to meet the requirements listed in the challenge proposal for a robot that completed simulated medical procedures. The team also had to share about their team, or company, with judges and show how it supported STEM growth and engaged the community.

In addition to the scoring categories, teams could submit a website design, 90-second commercial, and T-shirt design for award recognition. By participating in the competition, all teams were eligible for awards in robot design and a founder’s award. Thanks to BEST sponsors, teams can access industry-standard software like SolidWorks, a computer-aided design software, and Simulink, a programming software. Students may submit entries using these tools to win cash or equipment for their programs.

ABS Trobotics, an extra-curricular STEM program, began with BEST in 2006 with six students who submitted a robot in the single category of robot performance. Saturday, Trobotics registered 32 students with deliverables in all scoring categories and two additional award considerations. The program represents 18 percent of the eligible student body, with the team advancing to the regional championship 11 times out of the last 13 years. Event organizers canceled the 2020 tournament due to the pandemic.

“I couldn’t be more proud of this year’s team with this win. Each of the departments had to focus and raise their game. and this team is young, but they were not intimidated by the complexity of the challenge. They decided to be bold in their strategy, which meant they had to be bold in their robot design. They faced some obstacles, had to adjust, had to focus, and their work and tenacity paid off,” said Scott Britnell, Trobotics head coach and mentor.

Saturday’s tournament showcased the innovation and creativity of future engineers and future business professionals from 6th through 12th grade. The event fosters technical skills but also promotes collaboration and strategic thinking. With a focus on practical application, BEST Robotics underscores the significance of robotics in addressing real-world challenges and fostering a culture of innovation. To partner with the ABS Trobotics in furthering STEM education and supporting the program, please contact the school.

ABS wins Tennessee Valley BEST robotics competition