Jacob Woolcock

Today we had ups and we had downs, new friends and new challenges.  We wowed the presentation judges and laughed with teams from around the world at the team party carnival.  Here’s our video diary of the day, as told by the Pumpkins.

Tonight all the teams taking part were treated to a carnival party at WPI to celebrate their achievements and to make new friends.

The Pumpkins enjoyed the rides and attractions, the food and drinks and socialised with children from all around the world. Everywhere you looked there were little clusters of orange jumpers chatting to other children with plenty of laughing and giggling going on.

Tomorrow we’ve got three more rounds of the Robot Games to look forward to, as well as the Lightning Round where we’ll be paired up with another team to face the Robot Games together! Stay tuned!

We’ve just wrapped up the first two matches on the Robot Games table and it’s safe to say that they didn’t go quite to plan.

In the first match the game mat on the table lifted up which caused the turbine to tip slightly which in turn caused the robot to get stuck. It wasn’t ideal, but it’s just the way it goes sometimes.

Unfortunately the second match didn’t pan out so well either, due to the subtle difference in the way the rules are interpreted in the UK compared to the USA. Our scores weren’t what the children hoped for on either match and I think it’s safe to say they left the arena feeling quite deflated.

However, when there’s a challenge to overcome you should never bet against the Pumpkins.…

Within minutes of the second match our four Robot Games Engineers were back at the practice table, re-writing two of their programs and scoring a brilliant 265 in a quick final practice run through. The resilience that these children, with a special shout-out to Jenna, have shown today is utterly incredible.

Tomorrow we return to the arena with three more games to play.

Only 15 minutes until the opening ceremony, we’ve all got our flags at the ready!

Watch live here: http://www.twitch.tv/wpirobotics

If you’d like to follow the Pumpkins today the event will be live streamed through Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/wpirobotics

Here are some key timings of when the Pumpkins will be in action on Saturday 10th June:

Opening Ceremony: 🇺🇸 10am / 🇬🇧 3pm

Robot Games Round 1: 🇺🇸 4pm / 🇬🇧 9pm

Robot Games Round 2: 🇺🇸 4.48pm / 🇬🇧 9.48pm

Here’s a short vlog sharing what we’ve been up to on day 3 of this American Adventure, as told by the Pumpkins!

This is Polar Park, home of the Worcester Red Sox, and as part of the competition every team was invited to a watch a match as part of a special Robotics Night.

The eagle eyed readers might notice the distinct lack of players on the pitch… that’s because rain sadly stopped play and the match was postponed! We still got to enjoy some hotdogs, nacho hats, and some great fireworks though!

We’ve only been here two hours and already the Pumpkins have been dancing with the Brazilian team, Reading badges with a team from Greece, getting Robot Games tips from the “home” team and posing for photographs with all their new friends.

Below we have the Goofy Gyros from Massachusetts, Panther Power from New Jersey, Wild Cat Coders from California, Team Bob from Greece and Say What?!? from Alabama.

After a hearty breakfast and some sing-a-long Pokémon lullabies on the tv (don’t ask!) we are finally headed to the competition itself in Worcester.

Today is a chance to set up our Pit Area, practice the Robot Games and meet all the other teams. It’s also a chance for the staff to unveil their own special “Honorary Pumpkin” t-shirts!

Here’s a short vlog sharing what we’ve been up to on day 2 of this American Adventure, as told by the Pumpkins!