Viking Robotics team on the way to world championships in Detroit

by Peter Jakey—Managing Editor
Wiking Kujon robotics’ Team 6077 is in downtown Detroit for the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics’ championship at Cobo Center and Ford Field. Nearly 700 qualifying teams from around the world started competing Wednesday.
There will be 60 countries represented.

The 10-member Team 6077 that includes one senior, qualified at the state championship at Saginaw Valley State University with a 38th-ranking and a 7-5 record in qualifying matches.
Posen was knocked from the state tournament two weeks ago by the defending world champions and its two alliance partners in the quarterfinals of the playoffs.
With the strong financial backing of many community sponsors, the program is making its first trip to the world meet in only its third year.
“I think everyone is pretty excited. I don’t sense a lot of nerves. I think they are just really excited to have gotten this far, and to get there and experience it firsthand,” said lead mentor Brian Konieczny. “I think the experience will be really valuable because it just goes to show that you really can accomplish anything if you put in enough time and effort into it. I think it will inspire other kids to want to join this program as well.”
Last week, team members built a crate in the Posen High School woodshop to send the Wiking Kujon robot, 6077, via Federal Express to Detroit.
(The complete story is in the April 26, 2018 edition of the Advance)