Question 1: How did you get involved in the LEGO Robotics Group of Ann Arbor?

My husband, Steve, has been building competition LEGO robots for a couple years. Sense we started coming to LRGoAA events, I have attended all of them. Except when I was having a baby. And, while I usually have a robot that I designed, I rarely have time to actually build. So, I make all the design decisions, and I let him do all the building. Much like these questions.

Question 2: What do you do for work? How does this work effect your Robotics?

I'm a scheduler, which helps me schedule time to allow for the construction of robots.

Question 3: So far, what has been the most challenging aspect of Robotics and why?

Finding time. I spend a great deal of time, taking care of my three boys, ages 1, 3 & 37, so I have very little time for actual construction.

Question 4: Out of all of your creations, which made you feel the most satisfaction when it was complete and why?

Fingers (from Sumo-bot 4) was good, because it had six wheels, three in front, and three in back, which made it unique.

Team Spybot (from Sumo-bot 5) was fun, because it had two robots working together.

But, so far, my favorite is Dizzy (from Brickfest and Sumo-bot 5). The robot was designed for Brickfest, where the size limit was an 8 inch circle. The idea was to have the entire robot spinning to deflect enemy attacks. After some discussion, we decided to have the Hailfire droid wheels on the outside of the robot, spinning at all times. That robot was lucky enough to win Sumo-bot 5.

Question 5: What if any inspiration do you use when it comes to starting a new Robot?

Actually, I am Steve's inspiration. I give him ideas on what to build. Sometimes, he asks questions (like how many wheels to use), and I make design decisions.