That’s what 44 different schools from California, Oregon and Nevada have done.  Their robots will compete against each other Friday and Saturday at UC Davis.

Brian Graf is a junior at Elk Grove’s Pleasant Grove High School.  He says his team’s robot uses a turret – or shooting device – to throw the balls.
 
Graf: “Using a camera that locks onto the colors of the opponents’ trailer, our turret will then turn towards that and begin firing on their turret.” 
 
The event is part of an annual nationwide robotics competition.  It’s organized by a non-profit called FIRST, which encourages young people to get involved in science and technology.
 
Five schools will move on to compete in the finals next month in Atlanta.