The Titanium Tigers are on a mission to inspire a passion for science, technology, friendly competition, teamwork and leadership. The Robotics team is required to build a robot that follows the theme called steampunk, that was set by the national organization. Steampunk is a genre of science fiction that has a historical setting and typically features steam-powered machinery rather than advanced technology.

“Steampunk goes back to the victorian era, the beginning of industrial age where steam power was the best method of power,” lead mentor Andy Cocagne said. “The team will be adapting victorian style clothing. So we are trying to get some additional items to match theme like hats and goggles to be part of our outfits this year.”

Each year the Robotics members have to prepare differently with only six weeks to create a robot that goes along with the theme and to complete the competition.

“We have six weeks to build a robot,” adviser Sara Gadwa said. “We did a lot more meeting times, a lot more practice and we built two robots so we have one to practice and one for the competition.”

Once the competition is over each team gives out gifts such as a pin that matches the theme, or whatever fits what the team has created and trade it. Each team has to create a giveaway differently each year, and each year the team has something to look forward to.

“Something I always look forward to is how the game evolves over the many weeks of competitions,” senior John Trecha said. “As new strategies are discovered and new themes are given, and the way the game is played basically changes over the course of the 2 months the game is played.”

The Robotics competed on March 3 and 4 at Kettering University and placed second against Midland Dow that took first. The next competition is from March 17 to 19 in the Midland District. To view pictures of their first competition and for a 3D visual on the game process and the steampunk theme visit their website.