MILWAUKEE — High school robotics teams from across Wisconsin faced off in the First Robotics Regional Competition at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Panther Arena this weekend.

What You Need To Know

  • Nicolet High School was one of 54 teams competing in the First Robotics Regional Competition

  • Nicolet's team name is Future Engineers of American Robotics, also called FEAR

  • FEAR qualified for the world championship in Houston

  • The team won the Regional Engineering Inspiration Award

One of the 54 teams that competed is Future Engineers of American Robotics, also called FEAR, from Nicolet High School. 

One of the team’s members is junior Isabella Bianchini.

“Robotics is a variety of things,” Bianchini said. “Some people may think battle bots, but first, it’s about gracious professionalism. It’s a core value of the program. Gracious professionalism is working together and having fun. Through robotics, not only are we building robots, but we’re building ourselves through these skills.” 

She said the teams are given six weeks to prepare for the competition. 

“We’re partaking in a music theme game,” Bianchini said. “So, our robots have to engage with the field elements.”

Todd Gaulke is the technical mentor for FEAR. He said it’s a great program for students to partake in if they’re interested in STEM. 

“The kids learn to be cooperative in what they’re doing,” Gaulke said. “They have to talk, they have to discuss and they have to plan. They really have to work hard to get all of the things they want to get done in the time frame.” 

FEAR qualified for the world championship in Houston. The team won the Regional Engineering Inspiration Award.

Related Stories