Last week, the LigerBots had three meetings in a row cancelled due to snowstorms, but we took initiative and did everything we could to ensure the building process was not held back. During the snow days, LigerBots members worked at two of the coaches’ houses. At one, we worked on machinery, and at the other, on CAD. Despite lack of access to a full-fledged shop, we continued to machine and cut polycarbonate side panels and metal for the hoppers that will gather balls from the field. We tested the now fully operational intake. The electrical team also mounted electronics onto the polycarb. Meanwhile, the CADers finalized the design for the gear-placing mechanism.

The LigerBots got an extra boost from Ian Clark, a friend of a LigerBots mentor. Ian was kind enough to let the LigerBots use his garage shop to cut parts for the robot, help lathe gears and sprockets, and build angle brackets. Finally, on Monday, we were able to resume our meetings at Newton South. The builders had access to our own machines, and the Chairman’s Award group was able to continue practicing their oral presentation.

We’re excited to announce our 2017 sponsors. In preparation for our upcoming robotics competitions, we have begun preparing materials that display the logos of our Puma, Panther and Cheetah level sponsors for this year. They are: Google, Analog Devices, The Village Bank, PTC, Raytheon, Whole Foods Market, McVittie Tax Advisors, Shark Ninja, Dunkin’ Donuts, You-do-it Electronics Center, Bose, Honda Village, Tanowitz Law Office, Newton Public Schools, Newton Schools Foundation. We also are grateful for our anonymous and individual donors. Thank you to all for your support of the team.