A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School of Engineering

During the past two years, we have formed a special relationship with the A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School of Engineering, the first elementary school in South Carolina with a school-wide engineering curriculum. In support of the school, which opened in August 2010, we built a greeter robot, helped build their playground, and demonstrated our robots at the school's events. We are honored to be listed as one of their partners.

A.J. the Robot

In the spring of 2010, Ansel Sanders, program director for A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School of Engineering in Greenville, met with EnTech 281 and presented a unique challenge.   Would the students build a "greeter robot" for the new AJW school's lobby?   This would be a robot like no other the team has developed as it had to be kid friendly and interactive, and also look like the school's logo.

During the summer, students met to imagine, design, and build the AJ Robot - at first weekly, and as the deadline neared, almost daily.   Finally, on August 14, 2010, members of EnTech 281 delivered A.J. the Robot to A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School.   Some of AJ's final features include: an unpainted back so that students can look inside him and see how he works, an arm which waves and a special hand which allows him to hold an object, LED lights for his eyes and belt, a working chest display, the ability to say different things, and the ability to see if someone is standing in front of him.

AJ the robot now sits in the lobby of this fine new school where he has been a great hit with the students.

A.J. Whittenberg Playground Design and Build

The school also invited EnTech to their Playground Design Day in July of 2010 at Fluor Field, the Greenville Drive stadium.   The primary purpose of the event was to allow the AJW students to participate in designing their own playground, but the event also offered an opportunity for other activities including a demonstration of the EnTech 281 Breakaway Robot.   The soccer ball kicking robot from 2010's game was a magnet for onlookers and wanna-be drivers and operators.

From September 29 through October 3, 2010, the community rallied around the playground build, and EnTech students, parents, and mentors joined with the dozens of other volunteers to build two playgrounds in 5 days.

Today you can go see the semblance of AJ the robot on the playground.

A.J. Day at Fluor Field

The Greenville Drive baseball team designated August 15, 2011 as AJ Day at Fluor Field in celebration of the start of the second school year for A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School of Engineering. EnTech participated in this event by getting AJ the robot ready with some needed maintenance, demonstrating our FRC and FTC robots, and providing robotics activities for children.