Mathworks Simulink Workshop Announced

BEST Robotics, Inc., Mathworks, and Northeast Alabama BEST Robotics have teamed up to offer a two-day Simulink workshop at NACC. For more information, visit the NACC website.  

Details are at the bottom of that page.
Click here to download a flyer.

#paydirt2015 MatLab Simulink Workshop Announced

Northeast Alabama BEST has announced a new workshop to be added for Technical Training Day. Technical Training Day will be held on Wednesday, September 30 from 9:30 am until 1:30 pm. Glen Bruce, of Marshall Technical School, will teach MatLab Simulink. To sign up click this link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/technical-training-day-matlab-tickets-18632766105 

See an earlier news post to see other workshops available. 

Simulink by Mathworks Licenses Available!

We have just been notified by Mathworks that year-long MATLAB and Simulink licenses are now available at no cost to BEST teams, students and teachers. Remember that Mathworks offers a great deal of free training on their products, which are available for both Mac and Windows operating systems. Having this software in  your students' hands early means that they will have more time to be familiar with it before kick off day.

To receive this free software license we request that you first register to compete in Northeast Alabama BEST. 


One teacher from each school should register for Northeast Alabama BEST Robotics competition by clicking on the registration link on the right margin of this page. You may then download the software by following the directions below, provided by Mathworks:

MathWorks is pleased to announce that we will provide your team with free access to MATLAB and Simulink. Simulink and its support for the VEX Cortex Microcontroller can be used for programming your BEST robot. 

Apply for a license and learn more about our support here.

(NOTE: Once we receive your application it will take us 72 business hours to process the request.)

Benefits of using Simulink with your BEST robot:

• Free access to Simulink for the whole year. 
• Ability to download the software on to your own laptop (both Windows and Mac) and for all team members 
• No other 3rd party tools/compilers are required along with Simulink 
•  No prior programming knowledge is required 
• Access to training and technical support    
• Ability to participate in the Simulink Design Award

To meet our agreement with Mathworks your team should be registered for the 2015 competition before you request your software. It's a very quick form, so please take a moment to register.

MathWorks Changes for 2014

MathWorks recently announced changes in the changes in services provided to BEST teams for 2014. Mathworks provides a one year license to MATLAB and Simulink software at no charge to BEST teams. This allows teams to use the software throughout the year.

The new version will be available for download in late July. Nicole Carroll will provide teachers with a download link and instructions as soon as the software is released. One exciting feature for 2014 includes the ability to use the software on a Mac.

MathWorks is a national sponsor of BEST Robotics and provides both products and cash in support of BEST Robotics initiatives. 

BEST Hub Co-Director Attends Prototype Game

Northeast Alabama BEST Robotics hub co-director Nicole Carroll recently attended the BEST Robotics Prototype Game Weekend, held in Mobile, Alabama. During the weekend, Mrs. Carroll was able to get a first glimpse at the game field and read the game rules. A favorite part of the weekend is when hub staff from across the country are given the opportunity to place a robot on the field to test the field.

Please click on the folder on the right to see photos of the weekend events....NOT! It will all remain a closely guarded secret until September 21.

While it would be nice to have a head start on the competition, that wouldn't be fair. But we can give you a list of things you can do to prepare for BEST 2013:

• Learn your programming software. Teams will be given a copy of Mathworks software when they register. Dig into your programming software files to refresh your memory.
• While tasks always vary, robots are typically made up of just a few main components: a system to move the robot, and an arm/hand system that can manipulate and/or move an object. Last year's game threw everyone a curve ball since the movement was up, and not on the floor. Even in the absence of game details you can work on design ideas for these specific components.
• Organize your team. Who will do marketing? Who will be your programmer? These are things that can be determined in advance of kick off, and will be valuable in helping you to determine who will attend which sessions on kick off day.
• Visit the Jubilee BEST website, and check out bESTology. Jubilee BEST is the designer for this year's game, and one of their teams recently visited with the President of the United States, so don't you think we need to see what these guys are doing?

Get ready...September 21 will be here sooner than you think!