They are Rosie the Riveters 2022 edition.
A strong woman from the 1940s, Rosie was a pioneer who represented females in non-traditional jobs. She is the inspiration for the group Girls of Steel Robotics.
They wear red bandanas with white polka dots — a recognizable pattern from classic photos of Rosie the Riveter. Their mascot is named after her. They embody Rosie’s “We can do it” spirit.
These young women study science, technology, engineering and math — and are good at all of those disciplines.
Now, they’ve built their own robot.
“Being part of Girls of Steel gives me a chance to connect with like-minded people,” said Alex George, a senior at Plum Senior High School, at the group’s practice facility in Pittsburgh’s East End. “I am comfortable here, and I have confidence in what I am doing. It’s really a valuable experience.”
Courtesy of Girls of Steel Robotics
Two members of Girls of Steel discuss ways to make their robot named “Lightning McQueen” better. The team has been competing this week at the World Championship in Houston, Texas, which runs through Saturday, April 23.
The Girls of Steel are high school students from about 20 schools in the greater Pittsburgh area. They participate in a program sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University, which provides a workspace and connects the girls with mentors.
They’s spent several days this week in Houston, Texas at the World Championship, Wednesday through Saturday, April 23. They’re the only team from Pennsylvania to qualify, competing against about 400 first robotics competition level teams from around the world. Girls of Steel earned the trip from receiving the regional Chairman’s Award at the Buckeye Regional Competition and the regional Engineering Inspiration Award at the Greater Pittsburgh Regional Competition held earlier this month.
As part of the competition, teams design, build and program a robot to perform tasks such as shooting a ball through a series of funnel-like hoops or hanging from scaffolding against other robots. A robot gains points by climbing higher and being able to hang suspended on scaffolding, and successfully making baskets.
Their robot is named Lightning McQueen and weighs about 120 pounds. It’s red and lights up after each successful shot. It’s controlled by a computer. Each student has a role on the team.
“We share what we learn from others,” said Somdatta Basu, a senior at South Fayette High School. “It is important to introduce this to younger girls, too. This experience has taught me that whatever I put my mind to, I can do.”
Basu said she’s made friends with girls she most likely never would have met. She’s learned better communication skills and how to resolve conflicts — two important life skills — she said.
“It is super cool to watch their progress,” said George Kantor, of Squirrel Hill, a professor who has worked in the university’s robotics institute for 22 years and is the lead mentor. “When they first come in, some of them tell me they don’t think they can do this. Our goal is to open the door and show them the way.
“By the end of the season, they have found their place.”
Courtesy of Girls of Steel Robotics
Two members of Girls of Steel work on a robot named “Lightning McQueen.” The team has been competing this week at the World Championship in Houston, Texas, which runs through Saturday, April 23.
The atmosphere in Houston is a super high energy atmosphere. It’s like being at a rock concert and science fair at the same time, Kantor said. There’s music, lights, dancing, costumes and, of course, robots, Kantor said. He said all the teams share a common thread.
Terry Richards of O’Hara is a mentor and outreach program manager. She said every year she is amazed by the team and how the girls inspire others.
“This year there are seniors on the team who have been a part of the Girls of Steel program since middle school,” Richards said. “Now they are the ones mentoring elementary and middle school students and newer members of the team.
“Our program provides a sustainable cycle of leading, learning, and role modeling for our members and by our members. While building robots, they’re building futures. “
Elizabeth Crookston, the team captain and a senior at Fox Chapel Area High School, said connecting with other teams has been one of the many positive experiences of the trip. Team co-leader and junior at Avonworth High School, Ciara Anderson, said her favorite part of the competition is getting to see the robot compete.
“We worked really hard, and I was happy to see all our hard work pay off,” Anderson said.
“Iteration and continual improvement is a big part of success, so we investigated several ways to improve our on-field performance,” Kantor said. “The resulting transformation was amazing. The robot went from scoring 15-ish points per match to more than 20. It was an effort to be proud of, and a lot of fun to watch.”
Being in person at the competition in Houston is great, said Harshitha Lingam, a sophomore at South Fayette High School. It was such a cool experience being able to see and interact with teams from all over the world and get to know them outside of just robotics.
“It truly was so awesome to see all of our hard work over the season come to fruition,” Lingam said.
Sreyashi Mondal, a junior at Pine-Richland High School, said she’s learned so much from walking through the pits and speaking to teams about what makes their robot special.
”I am so grateful to be here,” Mondal said.
Upper St Clair senior Aditri Thakur said she’s more confident than when she started. She is trying something that’s out of her comfort zone.
The core focus is learning how to create a robot. But the girls also develop networking skills and learn the importance of team work.
“We inspire each other,” Basu said. “Just like Rosie the Riveter has inspired us.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact JoAnne at 724-853-5062, [email protected] or via Twitter .