Texas Torque to Lead Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City has been a well-known (and well-attended) tradition for the past 86 years. Every year, the parade amazes those who watch it with mind-boggling presentations and floats.

Texas Torque has been given the honor of leading the parade along with four other FIRST Robotics Competition teams from the United States, including:

  • Team 1538, The Holy Cows, from San Diego, California
  • Team 180, S.P.A.M., from Stuart, Florida
  • Team 16, The Bomb Squad, from Mountain Home, Arkansas, and
  • Team 25, Raider Robotix, from North Brunswick, New Jersey

As the winner of the 2013 FIRST Robotics Competition Championship, Texas Torque will have the special honor of cutting the ribbon with the award-winning robot, “Sonic,”  to start the parade. All robots and teams will travel the length of the 2.5 mile parade.

Texas Torque’s 2013 robot, “Sonic,” is ready for the trip to New York City. #runningwithscissors

 

Texas Torque would like to thank Macy’s and the FIRST organization for this amazing opportunity and looks forward to the journey.

Follow the link to learn more:

http://www.usfirst.org/aboutus/robots-come-first-at-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade

Success at the Houston Robot Remix

With the help of the FIRST Lone Star Region, Texas Torque was able to hold the Houston Robot Remix for the second year in a row — with great success. Over 20 teams attended the Remix this year, including FRC 5052, a pre-rookie team in the Houston area. Texas Torque team members worked alongside FIRST officials and volunteers in the area to keep the event running smoothly.

The Texas Torque drive team competed well, earning a #2 rank at the end of the qualification rounds. In alliance selection, an excellent alliance composed of FRC 3847 (Spectrum) and FRC 3335 (Cy-Ranch Cyborgs). After the tough elimination matches with some of the best teams in Texas, Texas Torque’s alliance triumphed, winning the finals against the #1 alliance.

SONY DSC

Team members of the winning alliance posed with their robots at the Houston Robot Remix.

 

In addition to bringing plenty of action to the gymnasium, the event brought together the efforts of the attendees to make a difference in the community. Texas Torque gathered donations for the Angel Reach Foundation, asking all teams to bring money or bedding for the local charity. Revenue from t-shirt sales at the event went towards the Montgomery County Women’s Center.

Texas Torque would like to congratulate FRC 4587 (Jersey Voltage), FRC 624 (CRyptonite), and FRC 4295 (Pure Energy) for finishing as finalists, as well as our alliance partners for a magnificent performance in yesterday’s elimination rounds. In addition, FRC 2587 (DiscoBots) deserve recognition for providing a robot and guidance to the pre-rookie team, FRC 5052. Last but certainly not least, we would like to extend our gratitude to all of the teams, volunteers, the Lone Star Region, and AndyMark for all of their help in making this event a wonderful way to end the Ultimate Ascent season. Texas Torque cannot wait until next year to make the event even bigger and better.