VIDEO: Kids Show Off Frisbee-Throwing Robot

Next time you want to head to the park for a game of Frisbee, you might want to invite "Krunch 16", a cool frisbee-throwing robot built by students enrolled in East Lake High School's Academy of Engineering.

The 70 students who worked together to make and program Krunch 16 debuted the robot Monday evening in the school's gymnasium. 

"It's a really good experience. It give us hands-on experience in the classroom,"  said Team Krunch 79 President Richie Vitraelli, 18, who is a senior at East Lake High.

The students call themselves Team Krunch 79 and are participating in the "FIRST Robotics Competition". The particular challenge they're tackling in the competition is Ultimate Ascent, a game that combines the skills of Frisbee and disc golf. Robots must be made using specific materials and must meet certain height and weight specifications. The robots must also be able to perform specific tasks.

“The challenge is to build a robot capable of launching a Frisbee upwards of 20 to 30 feet across the field into one of three goals. The higher the goal, the more points the team will score," said Vitraelli.

Vitraelli and fellow senior Tia Chadwick, 18, served as "drivers" for the robot. They stood at the far end of the gymnasium and using a special computer controlled Krunch 16's movements.

"It's definitely a team effort," said Chadwick.

Related

• Learn more about Team Krunch 79
• Photos: Kids Take Lego Robots for a Spin on Obstacle Course

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