Hello, I’m Yoshihiro Kushima, the advisor of the Hakusanroku team (Team B) in the ROBOCON College of Technology. Today, I would like to introduce the event we participated in, the Tokai-Hokuriku Regional ROBOCON 2024 that took place on Sunday, October 6th, 2024. Michihiro Hayashi sensei has already introduced this year's theme, each team's robot, and the results of the competition , so I would like to talk about the students of Team B.
 This year, as in previous years, Team B consisted of 1st and 2nd year students from the Hakusanroku Campus, including 10 students who were the main team members and a few students who occasionally helped out. Each of these main 10 students had a few words to say about their roles and activities this year, and I would like to introduce these student’s comments.

 

2nd year student, Rinse Okiyama
Role: team management
 This year, I was glad that all team members were able to fulfill their roles and activities. On the other hand, the rules were complicated, and we created three robots at the same time to achieve a goal, so we found issues in dividing roles and managing the progress of the plan. From now on, we would like to repeat the trial-and-error process, overcome the areas for improvement, and make the best use of them in our next activities. We will do our best to grow further as a team.

 

2nd year student, Rintaro Kamoshita
Role: design and adjustment of robot 1
 I could challenge myself through the ROBOCON project. Our abilities, direction of thought for ROBOCON, how we work in ROBOCON and who should work on the tasks were always there as a topic that should be argued. It was very difficult to realize the meaningful project for each person in the situation where each person has different purposes of joining in ROBOCON. Thanks to all of the people who were helping us so much for this year’s ROBOCON. I will grow as much as I can by keeping this valued experience in my mind.

 

 

2nd year student, Hiroko Takeda
Role: exterior and decoration
 I'm happy that the battery didn't fall off from the robot. I am also satisfied because the exterior is very nice. It was the right decision to ask 1st year student, Ayane Ito to do the illustrations.
 When communicating with the members, I did not realize that there was a gap in understanding between me and the other members, and I went ahead with the project as it was. I would like to use this experience to make sure that my understanding is the same as the members' understanding before working on the ICT ROBOCON.

 

2nd year student, Eita Nakamura
Role: development of Robot 2-2
 Over the past year, through ROBOCON, I realized the difficulty of team competition and the importance of information sharing. Nevertheless, it was very rewarding to be absorbed in the robot contest and to be able to cooperate with other members while trying new things. I also found several things to reflect on, which I intend to work on improving in the future.

2nd year student, Kanamu Yamamoto
Role: development of Robot 2-1
 This year, I built a robot on my own for the ROBOCON, which allowed me to gain extensive knowledge about mechanical design. Reflecting on last year’s experience, I paid more attention to code readability and organized wiring, which was a positive change. However, I regret focusing too much on my own work and not being able to help address issues with other robots.

 

1st year student, Kaishu Ishiharada
Role: control design and team leader
 I enjoyed ROBOCON because everything was new for me. However, I made some mistakes in soldering and other operations this time, but I would like to make a better robot next year based on this experience.

1st year student, Ayane Ito
Role: machining
I feel that learning to use machines like the drill press and lathe for the first time was a valuable experience. Additionally, I was able to closely observe and learn from the machine design process led by my seniors. I hope to apply these experiences in my future activities.

 

 

1st year student, Shuntaro Tanaka
Role: machining
 It was enjoyable and fulfilling to complete the tasks assigned by my seniors neatly. This year, I went to Tokai-Hokuriku Regional ROBOCON for cheering, but next year, I want to participate either as a competitor or as part of the pit crew.
 I regret that I had a lot of overtime and didn't participate much in activities during the first semester. However, I was able to get along well with the seniors and the 1st year students, so although it was frustrating that we couldn’t go to the nationals, I think it turned out okay in the end. Next year, I want to make an effort to get off to a better start.

 

1st year student, Ikki Hashimoto
Role: machining
 The machining group is making parts for robots. In this year's ROBOCON, I joined as a pit crew member. When I joined into ROBOCON, I thought, it was very busy, but it was fun. Also, I could understand the fun points of processing something. I thought joining the robot contest was a very good experience for my life.

1st year student, Chihiro Fukumoto
Role: mechanical design and machining
 For me, as a 1st year student, every step—from brainstorming ideas to design, machining, and assembly—felt like a full-fledged job. The competition was my first experience, and although we had to tackle most things on the spot during the event, we managed to pull through, so it’s all good!

 

 Since ICT is physically separated by grade, with 1st and 2nd year students at the Hakusanroku campus, 3rd year students studying abroad in New Zealand, and 4th and 5th year students at the Kanazawa campus, and robot contest activities are held separately at the Hakusanroku and Kanazawa campuses, it is difficult for students to communicate with each other and to pass on the know-how of techniques and team activities. I feel that the environment for our activities is reset every year. This is a challenge for both the students and advisors, and it is a constant process of trial and error. For this reason, we have been working daily to improve students' technical skills and create an environment that facilitates connections between students and advisors at each campus, such as by holding the ICT ROBOCON at the end of the school year since last year and connecting Kanazawa Campus and Hakusanroku Campus online after school since this year.
 At the end of the school year, I am looking forward to seeing what kind of robots the students will build for the ICT ROBOCON.

Yoshihiro Kushima