A group of Straughn High School students is headed to a robotics competition in Ozark on Saturday. The team, comprised of 11 students, has been working on the project for 40 days.

Team members include Avery Bates, Trenton Cleland, Samuel Driver, David Dillard, Sterlin Jennings, Ryan Miller, Ryan Mitchell, Grant Porter, Elizabeth Porter, Abigail Thomas and Wyatt Thomas.

Through the program, they use the engineering method to plan and create their robot.

The method includes:

• Defining the problem;
• Doing background research;
• Specify requirement;
• Brainstorm, evaluate, and choose a solution;
• Develop and prototype solution;
• Test solution; and
• Communicate results.

The robot is constructed out of pieces that include PVC pipe for the robot’s frame.

Wood was used for the side and top of the frame.

A swivel arm will be placed at the top of the robot and it will be able to move 360 degrees.

They are using hydroponics to demonstrate food production as part of their exhibit.

“The soil we used is pyrite, vermiculite, and potting soil,” said adviser Sherri Williams. “For our exhibit, we are incorporating a rustic look to embrace the farm theme.”

Dillard and Driver shared their thoughts on the process.

“We got to sit down and everyone came up with ideas and we sifted through them,” Dillard said.

“We came to a conclusion on which one would work best,” Driver said.

Dillard said they went through several designs before settling on the one they plan to utilize at Saturday’s BEST competition.

“We built the robot based off of each task it needed to complete, to get the maximum amount of points,” Driver said.

Dillard said he’s enjoyed learning how an engineer would go through the processes of creating.

“We’ve also learned how a robot could be useful in real life,” Driver said.

The team had a chance to size up with competition in Dothan and gain some inspiration, they said. “We are excited,” Driver said. “We’ve been waiting a long time to compete.”

The event will begin at 7 a.m. in Ozark on Saturday.