The COMETS are a group of teenagers from Forest Hills Public Schools, in Grand Rapids Michigan. They compete in the world’s only varsity sport of the mind – the FIRST Robotics Competition. Membership requirements are simple: Think robots are cool, have a competitive spirit, be a team player and like to have fun!

Find out more about this exciting sport and the opportunities it brings to teenagers by clicking on the links above. Thanks for stopping by!

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News:

Rattunde: The CNC Masters of Pipe

On July 23rd, the Comets Robotics Team visited the American Branch of Rattunde Corp. Greeted by its CEO Mr. Stadler, we were walked into a conference room, where we were informed about how the branch came to America, as well as the general market for creating machines. According to Mr. Stadler, the market for machines is on the rise, and Rattunde happens to be on the forefront of that market. Rattunde manufactures some of the most sophisticated CNC machines, capable of turning out millions of product a year. The machines are equipped with either pure steel or carbide saws.

Next, we were next shown their display machine, complete with 27 axis and requiring only one operator. Safety would not be a concern with this machine, surrounded by invisible "curtains", which would cause the closest machine part to halt in operation. Once powered on, our group was amazed with the speed and preciseness at which the pipes were created - as well as the accuracy of the robotic arm packing solid pipes. Mr. Stadler opened up the machine and showed as much as he could within safe limits - be it the lasers monitoring the exactness of the pipes, the electronics behind the machine, or the computer system controlling the machine. Anyone with proper security clearance could remotely access the machine for diagnostic purposes via the Internet, adding considerably more value. We were later shown a location where excess material is deposited. Mr. Stadler explained that if possible, the excess pipes could be recycled into a smaller, usable pipe, reducing as much waste and lost profit as possible.

Overall, we were very impressed with what the CNC machine could do, and look forward to seeing what the future holds with machinery.

Fourth of July Parade

This year’s fourth of July marks America’s 234th year of Independence. Like most Americans members of the COMETS attended a July 4 parade. However, we were privileged enough to actually be in one! That’s right we had our very own COMETS float, robot an everything. This event was a lot of hard work (building a podium for the robot, making a skirt for the truck, etc, etc), but was a blast for all involved. It also made us reflect on how far we’ve come as a team.

Just like the 13 American colonies that embarked on a journey for freedom 234 years ago, the COMETS embarked on our own journey several months ago. We started with only three members from team 904, and eventually grew to seventeen. Each and everyone of us has learned valuable skills, made great friends, and has had a ton of fun.

Of course we couldn’t do it without our sponsors, mentors, and great families. Thanks a bunch guys!

COMETS Give Back to Community

On the 24st of June an the 1st of July, a few students from our team went to a GVSU campus to help encourage young middle-school students to become interested in science in technology. We brought the robot to the building and after a speech from a mentor on a fellow robotics team (Wo-Bots: 141). The girls were given an opportunity to drive the robot around, and many of the girls showed a lot of interest in getting involved with science and technology. Some were even interesting in being involved with FIRST robotics teams. Overall it was a great experience and a good start for the girls involved.