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.

The Pumpkins have just had their 30 minute judging session where they shared their Innovation Project and Robot Design presentations. The judges were laughing and smiling throughout and the children presented the learning and answered the judges questions with such confidence and shared their experiences with them. We won’t know the scores until tomorrow, but the children came out absolutely buzzing and said they thought it went really, really well.

In the words of James B – “ooof, HOME RUN!!!”

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.

Is there an award for “Most Orange Team Area”? If not, there definitely should be!!