5338 Robolocos Robot Stolen

[Tim Sharp]

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Loudoun-County-Robotics-Team-Resilient-After-Award-Winning-Robot-Stolen-298819241.html

I was very disturbed to hear this. We were in an alliance with them this weekend at Knoxville. We advanced to the finals and both earned wild card invitations to Championships. They are a class group. I wish them the best. If there is anything 3959 can do to help, we are more than willing.
It's good that FIRST is allowing them to upgrade their practice bot. They built a very capable machine and certainly earned their invitation. It would be a shame for them to miss participation.

[M1KRONAUT]

That's awful! I really hope someone finds that car in time. If not, well, I wish them the best of luck.

[ThePancakeMan]

That is terrible. Best of luck to the team. Shame on whoever would have done something so cruel.

[ChuckDickerson]

Oh my! Thanks for sharing this Tim. I hadn't heard this terrible news. 5338 Robolocos were a class act and had an awesome robot at Smoky Mountain.

[GreyingJay]

Ouch, that really sucks. But on the plus side, the outpouring of community support and support from FIRST and sponsors is going to be a huge blessing to every member of the team.

I hope whoever stole the SUV felt really ashamed when they open the back and saw what was inside.

[EricH]

I hope whoever stole the SUV felt really ashamed when they open the back and saw what was inside.I would hope... but somehow I don't think so.

What I hope is that if anything's marked with the team number/other recognizable stuff, they try to sell it locally... and someone gets suspicious...

[cincodemary]

Thank you for all the offers for support! Our team is so impressed by the generosity of the entire FIRST community. We still have no news on our robot, tools, and Tahoe. However, we're very optimistic that we'll finish our practice bot in time for worlds!!

[Bruceb]

Put the word out on all other sites and social media you can think of. Plead with the thieves. Maybe, just maybe the criminals will have a heart and at least leave the red baron somewhere it can be found.
Praying for you guys.

[rsisk]

Roboloco, do you have information how we can support your team's recovery? Maybe a paypal or gofundme account?

[Tim Sharp]

I am sure that we would be able to provide some support if you set up a gofundme account. Please let everyone know if you do.

[Banderoonies]

Anyone know of a way other FIRST teams can help this team? Is there a GoFundMe site or a list of what they need?

Sandra Brino
Mentor Team 195
CyberKnights
Southington CT

[JesseK]

I just heard about this; we are on it! The Region's Sr. Mentor is coordinating efforts with local teams and organizations to get 5338 off the ground again. If you'd like to help (hopefully he won't mind me doing this) email Don Brobst (dbrobst at usfirst.org).

[dradel]

I hate that this happened!! Be on the lookout on eBay and Craig's list for the electronics! I am guessing whoever took the bot really has no idea what they have

[JesseK]

RoboLoco just tweeted (https://twitter.com/team5338) a link to a page for support: http://tnfirst.org/?page_id=2699

[rsisk]

Donation made.

Good luck Robolocos!

We went through this same thing in 2012 when our trailer was stolen.

[alephzer0]

I just heard about this; we are on it! The Region's Sr. Mentor is coordinating efforts with local teams and organizations to get 5338 off the ground again. If you'd like to help (hopefully he won't mind me doing this) email Don Brobst (dbrobst at usfirst.org).

Where is Knoxville? If it is anywhere near us, Team 1257 would be happy to help. We have had teams help us off the ground in the past, and we want to pay it forward.

[JesseK]

Where is Knoxville? If it is anywhere near us, Team 1257 would be happy to help. We have had teams help us off the ground in the past, and we want to pay it forward.

5338 is from Ashburn, VA (~20 miles west of DC). There are several good well-resourced teams in their immediate area, including 116, 612, 623 & 1885. I honestly don't know what their biggest hurdle is, be it time, parts or otherwise. I'll know more in the coming days if they don't get on here themselves.

[Banderoonies]

RoboLoco just tweeted (https://twitter.com/team5338) a link to a page for support: http://tnfirst.org/?page_id=2699

Just went out there but the site does not have a security cert. Cant put Credit card number in. any other ways to submit?

[guniv]

We donated $200. Awful that this happened in Knoxville. Good luck to 5338!

[Sperkowsky]

My guess is whoever stole the truck could care less about the robot inside. They would probably give back the robot if they could the truck, and tools on the other hand they have most likely already sold.

[JesseK]

Just went out there but the site does not have a security cert. Cant put Credit card number in. any other ways to submit?

Hmm, that is concerning. I'm not sure if there are other ways. I have a meeting with a few people tonight, I'll see what can be setup.

[Citrus Dad]

Here's an article in the Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/students-make-world-robotics-competition-but-their-robot-was-stolen/2015/04/09/6e3c6e3c-ded6-11e4-a500-1c5bb1d8ff6a_story.html

[TheJoe]

279 stayed in the same hotel as the Roblocos and got to know their team pretty well. It's a shame, what happened.

We've got a few fundraisers coming up that we plan on donating completely to 5338.

Good luck in St. Louis, hopefully you have your practice bot ready! :)

[JesseK]

I was able to stop by for a few hours on Saturday. They quite literally lost everything - wires, wrenches, bolts, etc.

Their practice robot was being re-wired with the help of 116's electrical team since they didn't have the correct wiring size for a few things. Their intake was nearly complete. Their lift carriage was completed and waiting for the rest of the robot. Their top bar, with 2 constant-force springs was almost ready. Their crate was being painted as I left. They also met on Sunday, but I wasn't able to make it out. They had a hard deadline to ship by today (Tuesday) just like the DCMP teams do.

They had a guy from the community stop by to give them some pizza from Domino's. The Washington Redskins gave them a 'care package', which is cool on the surface. There has been plenty of support by the Loudon County execs from various entities. I think if a few teams stop by to help with any unexpected things that pop up, they'll do great things at Champs.

[planetbrilliant]

Just telling everyone that the robot and tools have been found - http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=136613