Community involvement is the name of the game for FLL team 3, 2, 1…GO! The past 3 years, they have met the [first] LEGO League challenges head on, creating technology solutions to help people from all walks of life: from seniors losing their eyesight to drivers during dangerous storms. This year, their project seeks to help people seeking to learn a second language, which they presented at the Austin Marathon Robotics Expo in early February.
According to their research, one of the team’s favorite parts of the process, less than 1% of college students retain any of the language they studied. They seek to improve second-language acquisition using an earpiece that translates speech in real time, in order to better immerse the learner in the language without needing to travel. They even have a patent application in.
The team is composed of a set of twins, a set of triplets, and one more student, leading to the creation of their name: 3, 2, 1…GO! They are now all close friends, having worked together for the past three robotics seasons. More than anything, they are looking forward to joining FTC next year. They live by the motto, “let it go,” meaning they work past any frustrations or challenges that arise within the group.
Robotics has made a real impact in their lives, both in and out of school. One student stated that since she got involved with robotics, she now “counts down the minutes to science class.” Other students have discovered their love of research, public presentations, and interaction with other students in the program. They all agree, though, that helping their community is the main goal.
Looking forward, 3, 2, 1…GO! hopes to continue to advance this season and see their project make an impact in their community. One student expressed hope that FLL would one day design a challenge around the human body, saying that there hasn’t yet been one focused on biology. One thing is for sure: 3, 2, 1…GO! is going places.
Their success story is not the only one. We are seeking to spotlight amazing teams like this one, both on our website and in our media. Please let us know if you have an interested team, or if you want to know more about the impact of robotics in students’ lives!