New and improved robot, Cobra, has upped the stakes continued from p.19 The PiThons have been working since September to design a robot that can best accomplish this challenge. At provincials, they set the current world record score, which is 300 points. But that was with their previous design. Their new and improved robot -- they've now called Cobra -- is upping the stakes by a further 88 points. Catricala said there are some people who refer to his students as prodigies, but he disagrees. He believes they have a passion for what they're doing and that drives them to be the very best. "Once you find what's exciting, that's when the world changes," Catricala explained. "These guys here, if it's a snow day, I'll get a call from them saying, `I know you're not open during the day, but is there any chance we can come in?'" he added. For these youngsters, the passion for robotics started at an early age, playing with the popular children's building toy LEGO. "When I was a kid, I was into LEGO and 27 | Friday, April 10, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com I'd love to say it's all academic, but it's not. It's personal development. It's an achievement. They have confidence in themselves. They can now stand and deliver. They are proud of what they've done and they can speak about it. John Catricala, E-bots owner and PiThons mentor "The entire process has changed how I look at robotics. It sparked my love for programming," he added. "It's shaped how my future is going to be." Catricala said the E-Bots program is not simply about promoting the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects in school. He said the biggest difference he's seen in his pupils is how their confidence has grown. "I'd love to say it's all academic, but it's not. It's personal development. It's an achievement. They have confidence in themselves. They can now stand and deliver," he said. "They are proud of what they've done and they can speak about it." At the VEX World Robotics Championship, the PiThons will see how their creation stacks up against 125 of the top teams in their age group from around the globe. "We're excited to go but we're nervous because if something fails then we're..." McKennedy said, trailing off. "We just want to do well and put ourselves up at the top," added Childerhose. I kind of wanted to take the next step," said PiThon member, 13-year-old Zach McKennedy. Team programmer Ethan Childerhose, 13, said his love for LEGO motivated him to seek out the E-Bots program. "I came here and I started working and I found a love for programming and building the robots and then I got onto the FLL (First LEGO League) team and I've done that for the past four years, including this year," Childerhose explained. Royal tReatment pet gRooming Royal Treatment Welcomes Rachel of Bark+Fitz and Sharon of Kustom K-9 to our professional Groom team. New lower rates for our Groom your own facility. Unique boutique. Walk in nail clipping always only $10. Call today to book your favourite groomer. DIAMOND Colour + Inspiration = Home 905-257-2061 478 Dundas St. W., Oakville Visit our website www.PaintersPlace.ca for Promotional discounts Let our team inspire you! Christine FlaCk design group New Arrivals! www.royaltreatmentpetgrooming.ca 1380 Speers Rd. Unit 4, Oakville 905-847-7297 PAINTING Done properly the first time... Bullard Brothers Do you want to get BACK TO HEALTH? ...Live without pain or suffering? ...Live a life with optimal Physical and Mental/Emotional Performance? Then call us TODAY to schedule a FREE Wellness consultation and start THRIVING instead of just SURVIVING! Grab a nutritious breakfast or lunch at our Epicurean Eatery. Free shake available for a limited time! OPENING SOON! women's & kids available hunter socks available Katrina Dollano TCM Practitioner Charleston Dollano Dr. Ron McAlister Executive Chef Chiropractor What's Good...? It is the fusion of balanced nutrition, mind and body with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), food cures, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Chiropractic and Massage. ...That's Wellness by Design Factory Shoe outlet 2015 Diamond Award #1 SHOE STORE #1 CHILDREN'S SHOE STORE 125 Cross Ave., Oakville · www.whatsgoodwellness.ca · 905.845.5775 HOURS: Monday-Friday 9am to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm · Sunday 10am to 6pm ClOSed FRi ApR 3 & SUn ApR 5, 2015 905-632-9688 2394 FAIRVIEW ST., BURLINGTON FAMILY OWNED FOR 58 YEARS!