Microsoft has generously offered grants for teams across Canada in 2017. During the months of January, February, and March, we’re highlighting Microsoft-sponsored teams!

This week we talked to 5015, The SWAT Bots from Port Perry, Ontario.

FIRST Robotics Canada: How do you feel about the 2017 game?
Team 5015: The SWAT Bots, team #5015, are very excited about FIRST Steamworks. It is a very exciting game, especially how it includes the human players on the field this year. There are great opportunities within the game for teams to showcase their creativity and skills with different scoring elements. It is always exciting for us to see how other teams approach the game, and we love learning from other teams’ ideas and experiences. 

FIRST: What makes your team unique?
5015: Our team is unique because we started as a FIRST LEGO League (FLL) team eight years ago, and we moved into FTC and finally FRC. We work in our mentor’s basement, and we have lots of fun testing our shooters in front of his house for all of the neighbours to witness! The SWAT Bots also have two FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams.

FIRST: What events are your team attending this year?
5015: We will be attending the Western Canada Regional. 

FIRST: How has the Microsoft grant helped your team so far?
5015: Having the support of Microsoft this year has given our team the funding necessary to buy the parts we need to build a competitive FRC robot. Everyone is very proud of the Microsoft logo on the back of our t-shirts!