The students’ robot, F.E.R.I, claimed victory after competing with two hall of fame teams
Middle Township High School’s Robotics team, the M.I.T. 8721, after winning the First Mid-Atlantic Robotics Competition
Cape May Court House, NJ – Middle Township High School’s Robotics team, the M.I.T. 8721, emerged as victors at the First Mid-Atlantic Robotics Competition alongside two First Robotics Competition Hall of Fame teams, the Miracle Workerz 365 and the Cybersonics 103. More than 20 teams competed at the event, which was held March 21-23 at Bensalem High School in Bensalem, Pa.
The M.I.T 8721 team is comprised of about 15 students. Together the team created F.E.R.I (First Encoded Reef Intermediary), a lightweight, 66-pound robot capable of autonomously and manually delivering pieces of “coral” (PVC pipe) to the base of the game’s “reef” (a receiving trough). The fast-moving robot’s name, pronounced “Ferry,” also pays homage to the school’s shore town pride.
This was the team’s, led by coach Colin Lubner, second and final competition of the school year. M.I.T 8721, formed in 2022, entered the play-offs as the final competitor in the 24-team bracket. During the competition, four team members were in the arena, two on the drive team, and two students were technicians who took the robot on and off the field.
“I am so proud of the team and their victory,” said Lubner, a computer science, robotics, and mathematics instructor at the high school. “The students work hard, and are dedicated and resourceful. We gathered almost every day after school and all day on Saturdays to earn this win. We also thank our awesome sponsors, family members, volunteer mentors; a few teachers, custodians, and maintenance workers gracious enough to lend us their time, and bus drivers.”
The team learned much during the competition, too, and plan to incorporate their newfound knowledge in their work next year to further better their skills. One lesson learned at the event was the importance of branding, so next year’s team may have a slight name change and a secret agent theme.
“We congratulate our high school robotics team on their well-deserved win,” said Middle Township Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David Salvo. “We are proud of the students’ commitment, enthusiasm and effort, and are thrilled they represented our district at the competition.”