The Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky hosted the Robot Gladiator League for Engineer’s Day, showcasing high school STEM programs across Kentucky.
The event took place in the Grand Ballroom at UK’s Gatton Student Center on Feb. 22, for its final regular season event.
The Robot Gladiator League (RGL) is a high school level robot battle league and was formed by Newton’s Attic, a STEM summer camp in Kentucky, and Morehead State University’s Center for STEM+eXcellence, according to the RGL website.
The RGL follows the traditional sports system with two conferences that they call “Titan Legion” and “Vulcan Legion” with eight teams in each Legion, making it 16 teams total across 13 Kentucky counties, according to the site.
Carol Ackerman is the moderator and coach for the Russell County team. They are in their second season with the RGL and currently rank second in their Legion.
Ackerman also teaches robotic engineering and industrial maintenance at Russell County High School.
“They’ve (students) had to learn a great deal about how to manufacture the robot, how to design the robot, kind of taking a look at what other people are bringing,” Ackerman said. “They’ve (students) had to work together as a team, all things that translate into skills and adulthood.”
When Russell County joined the RGL last year for its inaugural season, the team lacked the understanding and resources to rebuild their robots after matches so they had to work with what they had, according to Ackerman.
“We would show up with things duct taped and zip-tied to our robot,” Ackerman said. “We’ve progressed pretty well. Now we weld, so our bots have definitely advanced in skill.”
Russell County High School works with a vocational school’s industrial maintenance program to help manufacture and create their robots.
“None of us are athletes really, so we didn’t have that play knowledge,” Ackerman said. “We kind of recruited some people that have that and came up with some tactics that have definitely helped us win matches.”
Ackerman said the league helps set the students up for success in the future, creating a cooperative environment and attaining skills in robotic and mechanical engineering.
Ellie Pack is a member of the Rowan County Gladiators and attends Rowan County High School. She plans on going into robotic or mechanical engineering.
“It’s all about teamwork,” Pack said. “I just have so much fun with it because I get to practice engineering and build things and help contribute to that.”
Four teams were unable to attend the match because of the floods across eastern Kentucky. Each of these teams and their opponents were given a tie for the match.
Of those teams, Nelson County and Somerset placed first and fifth in the Titan Legion. In the Vulcan Legion, Jackson Independent placed second, followed by West Carter High in third, Highlands High School in fifth and Morgan County ATC in eighth.
