Rockton

Stateline Robotics Club is a lot more than building robots

This summer, the team modified a motorized chair for a young local girl.

Jean Seegers

Nov 4, 2023 — 2 min read

Kris King talks to the Stateline Robotics class about upcoming projects at the first meeting of the year. King and Daniel Buchardt (right) are the club's mentors and coaches. They meet with the robotics team three times every week..

Future engineers, programmers and business leaders at Hononegah Community High School are learning skills and getting first-hand experience as members of the Stateline Robotics Club.

“Students also learn how to collaborate and promote each other,” coach Kris King said, “They learn how to design and build a brand and develop partnerships with their community while also raising funds for special programs.”

Robotic competitions are not the only projects the team undertakes. During the summer months, members take on a special project that helps others and improves their skills.

Four years ago, the team modified and improved a special wheelchair for Jack, a local boy with cerebral palsy. The wheelchair was named “Wild Thing.”

This summer, the team volunteered to modify a wheelchair for a young local girl. This chair was dubbed “Wild Thing 2.” She loves racing around in her special chair and is able to be more independent.