 2014 Blade Runner
We have 35 Interested Schools for our 5th Year
We are excited to have 35 schools signed up for our 2014 competition. We have the funding for 32 schools to compete. In case one of the first 32 schools is unable to compete, the next waiting list school to sign up will be contacted. Please ask any schools that might be interested to visit our website or contact Jose Lopez at [email protected].
The Texas Tech University creators of the Blade Runner game are finalizing the game's game field design and rules. They hosted a Prototype Weekend in Lubbock in late April to present a prototype game field and review the rules with all the BEST community Hubs. Volunteers from our hub attended to provide comments and take numerous pictures to help plan game field and prototype robot (PROTBOT) activities. All the final game details will be provided to us for preparations in late June and then finally revealed to the competing teams at Kickoff on 6 September.
Thanks to the Metro State University of Denver students who have volunteered to construct the PROTBOT which will demonstrate the Blade Runner game field at Kickoff on 6 September.
If you missed it previously, check out the 67 second Blade Runner Teaser Video . Is there a hint in the teaser about this year's game?
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Volunteers Needed Near Term
Kit Team (Now) and Game Field (July) Volunteers
Monday Kit Team (Now): The Kit Team is working on returned 2013 kits to prepare for 2014 kit activities. A newly received grant means they'll purchase materials for and assemble 4 more kits this year! They meet most Mondays at Club Workshop 999 Vallejo St #2, Denver near I-25 and 8th Avenue from 10 AM - 3 PM with a lunch break at a local restaurant. They can always use an extra hand and no experience or specific skill is needed. If interested in receiving the kit team email for schedule updates and other information, please contact Carolyn at [email protected].
Game Field Builders (July - August): Use BEST provided drawings to construct and assemble game field pieces. We expect to have final drawings available by early July with construction in July and August. Full assembly of all components and testing must be completed at least two weeks prior to 6 September Kickoff. Multiple separate components permit multiple independent helpers to separately construct their components. Tools needed include the following depending on component: saws to cut plywood, lumber, foam, and PVC; wood sander; paint brushes; drill for bolt holes; and bolt and screw drivers. Skills needed include: read drawings, construct using tools above, and assemble components with glue (PVC), screws, and nuts/bolts. If interested, please contact Carolyn at [email protected] for more information.
Kit and Game Field Donations - We need ideas on obtaining zero or reduced cost consumable robot and game field materials. For example, we need lots of PVC pipes and wood. If you have suggestions or need more information, please contact JoAnne at [email protected].
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Robotics at the Hanger
RM BEST Participated in Wings Over the Rockies Event
 Rocky Mountain BEST participated at the Robotics at the Hangar event on Sunday, April 13th at Wings over the Rockies Space Museum.
Manning Middle School demonstrated the 2013 Gatekeeper game with their 2013 robot. Of those attending, 36 signed up to receive more information. Thanks to Manning Middle School and our BEST volunteers for supporting the event.
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We would not be successful without you! We are looking forward to working with you in 2014.
Sincerely,
Linda King
Volunteer Interface, Rocky Mountain BEST
 
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