2009 Indiana Robotics Invitational (IRI)
Simbotics were invited to compete in IRI, once again hosting a packed field of teams with many regional victories, division winners and two World Champions (67 and 111). After the graduation of many experienced students and critical team members, Simbotics debuted a new drive team for the event. Team 1114 finished the qualification matches with a 4-4, but were still selected by the 4th Alliance Captain, Team 217, "The Thunderchickens". The alliance was rounded out by Team 399, "Eagle Robotics" and Team 1732, "Hilltopper Robotics". Our alliance won the quarterfinals in three matches, advancing to the semis. Unfortunately we were defeated by the first seeded alliance which featured Team 111, "Wildstang", 2010 World Champions. Congratulations to the new generation of Simbots for a great competition and showing the ability to step up in crucial roles to the team. We'll see you again in 2010!
2009 World Championships
Simbotics entered the 2009 Championships in Atlanta looking to repeat as World Champions. Simbotics were competiting in a tough Archimedes division, which featured 24 regional champions (including 1114 following the GTR win) and 2 two-regional winners (2415 and 2056, a member of the winning alliance in GTR). After a tough qualification schedule, Simbotics emerged with a 7-0 record and first seed. Simbotics once again paired with Team 2056, "OP Patriotics" and also selected Team 503, "Frog Force". After two consecutive quaterfinal victories, our number 1 seeded alliance advanced to face an extremely tough fifth seeded alliance consisting of 222, 1218 and 2753. Following an unprecented tie and a second match victory, Simbotics' alliance unfortunately lost the next two semi final matches. Congratulations to the fifth seeded alliance for a well played semi-finals and on becoming Archimedes Division Championships. Also, congratulations to the eventual World Champions, Team 67, "The HOT Team", Team 111, "Wildstang" and Team 971, "Spartan Robotics". Simbotics didn't come home empty handed, however, after being the recipient of the 2009 Championship Best Web Site Award. Thanks again to all family, mentors and sponsors who supported us all year for another outstanding season.
View All 2009 Event Results | View All 2009 Awards | View Our Outreach
2009 Greater Toronto Regional
Team 1114 had two tough losses on the Friday, but finished the day in 10th and won another website award. Heading into the eliminations, Simbotics were in 12th place and were selected by the number one seed, Team 2056, "OP Patriotics". Our alliance was also able to select Team 2185, "ECI Robotics" in the second round. Both 2056 and 2185 were Regional Champions the previous week at the Waterloo Regional. After some very tough competition and a very exciting finals, we were able to win our fifth consecutive Greater Toronto Regional. Thanks to 2056 for selecting us and thanks again to Team 2185 for your excellent defensive play and co-operation. The weekend was capped off with a Regional Chairman's Award, qualifying us to compete for the Chairman's Award at the Championships in Atlanta, April 16-18. Thanks again for the support from friends and family, it was great to see over 130 of you in the stands on Saturday afternoon!
View All 2009 Event Results | View All 2009 Awards | View Our Outreach
Simbotics Featured on Discovery's Daily Planet
Recently, the Discovery Channel's Daily Planet gave a primer for the Greater Toronto Regional. They visited our team at our practice field and interviewed members of our team. They profiled us on the Thursday of the Greater Toronto Regional, following our improvement done in the pits and our practicing on the field. The video can be found on the Discovery Channel's website.
2009 Waterloo Regional
Recently, many Simbotics team members attended the Waterloo Regional to volunteer and assist attending teams. Congratulations go out to the Willick Family (Jean, Ray, Todd, Kyle, Ryan, and Stacey) for their well deserved Volunteer of the Year Award as well as teams 2609, 2056, and 2185 on an impressive regional victory.
2009 Midwest Regional
Team 1114 had a great Friday, finishing with a 6-0 record and winning the Regional Website award. After losing their final qualifying match, Simbotics finished with the second seed, ultimately being selected by four time World Champion and good friend Team 71. Unfortunately, the alliance of 71, 1114 and 1000 lost in the quarterfinals to a great alliance of Teams 1732, 2041 and 1652. Congratulations to the champion alliance of Teams 111, 1625 and 1675. The day finished with 1114 winning the GM Industrial Design Award. Although the end result was disappointing, we learned many valuable lessons and were inspired by some of the greatest teams in FIRST.
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Simbotics On Degrassi
This summer Simbotics had the opportunity to be a part of the world famous and critically acclaimed teen drama, Degrassi: The Next Generation. Simbotics mentor Karthik Kanagasabapathy consulted with series producers and writers to help in their development of a storyline focussed around a high school robotics team. In July the team travelled to Toronto to shoot scenes which were used in the opening credits and two robot centric episodes. Ten students and four past 1114 robots appeared in the main episodes, with the starring role belonging to our 2008 World Champion, Simbot SS. These episodes aired in Canada on CTV in December, and in the United States on The N in February.
For more information about Degrassi: The Next Generation visit them online at ctv.degrassi.ca or at the-n.com
Lost in Love Part 1: Canadian Link | American Link
Lost in Love Part 2: Canadian Link | American Link
Simbotics on the set (photo gallery)
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