Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 2, 2023 Northeast Metro Tech Robotics & Automation students design and build new pinball game using shell of 50-year-old machine S uperintendent David DiBarri is pleased to announce that senior students in the Robotics & Automation Technology program used the shell of a 50-yearold pinball machine to design and build a brand-new pinball machine as part of their studies this year. The 11 senior students who took part in the project began with a “Dealer’s Choice” pinball machine that was made in 1973, which had been previously donated to Northeast Metro Tech. Students stripped it down to nothing but its shell, designed the new machine and then rebuilt the machine using state-of-the-art industrial automation controls, displays and electronics. Students completely replaced the game’s game control system and wrote software for it themselves. They also designed and built every electrical control in the machine, as well as new audio and video systems, while also changing the theme of the game. “I had the kids use all the shop technology that they’ve learned during their time here,” said Robotics & Automation Technology Department Head Brian Caven, who oversaw the year-long project. “I used the pinball machine to teach all of the technologies we learn, including electrical, electronics, software, electromechanical and wiring. All of those are pieces that they learn in the shop, and they were able to put those lessons together into constructing this pinball machine.” Robotics & Automation Technology seniors also collaborated with students in other trades at Northeast Metro Tech, relying on Auto-Body students to paint the pinball machine’s body, Design and Visual Arts students to help with graphics, STEM Department students to help with laser-cutting some plastic parts for the new machine and Metal Fabrication students, who welded and created new metal parts for the machine. Caven had students approach the pinball machine job as a team project, working together to learn how engineering projects actually work in private industry while also learning team building, communication and even confl ict-resolution skills. “We handled this as a group project. I acted as the engineering manager and every student acted as an engineer on the team with specifi c responsibilities,” Caven Sweetland. “Everybody had something that made it all come together and it was a great time!” “One of the most important things that I learned while working on this project is patience and communication. While this was a group project, many of us had to work on individual parts and wait for others to fi nish,” said Carla Garcia Colon. “Patience and communication allowed us to make more progress on the project because whenever someone was doing something that interrupted the work of someone else, we would fi nd something else to make progress on. Without this skill, we would have been much further behind on the project.” “This was an extraordinary Seniors in the Robotics & Automation program and Department Head Brian Caven stand with a pinball machine they completely rebuilt using nothing but the frame of a 50-yearold machine. (Courtesy Northeast Metro Tech) said. “Everything we did was done to teach them how a design project moves from conception to fi nal production.” Seniors who participated in the project are John Antonucci, of Wakefi eld, Gabriel Fontes, of Malden, Caleb Galdamez, of Saugus, Carla Garcia Colon, of Chelsea, Escander Habda, of Malden, Joseph Pannese, of Revere, Jaiden Santos, of Chelsea, Kai Sweetland, of Malden, Angel Umana Hernandez, of Chelsea, Scott Upton, of Reading, and Claire Wilson, of North Reading. “It has been an amazing experience to watch and learn how a team works,” said Kai project that required seniors to use all of the skills that they have learned in their years in the Robotics and Automation Technology program,” said Superintendent DiBarri. “The final product is stunning, and we look forward to finding a place for the refurbished pinball machine here at Northeast Metro Tech.” Where the machine will end up remains an open question, but it will be displayed in September at an annual pinball show called Pintastic in Marlborough. For more information on Pintastic, visit https://pintasticnewengland.com/. A special Saugus treat Saugus Historical Society’s annual Strawberry Festival returns to Legion Hall on June 17 By Laura Eisener www.eight10barandgrille.com OPEN DAILY FOR DINNER AT 4 PM. CATCH THE CELTICS, BRUINS & NCAA SPORTS ON OUR 6 LARGE SCREEN TV'S! om B WE'RE OPEN! 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 ack home in Saugus for Father’s Day weekend? Bring Dad, your family and friends to the Saugus Historical Society’s Strawberry Festival! Don’t miss out on Saugus’ most delicious tradition! Old-fashioned Strawberry Shortcake brings people together at the Saugus Historical Society’s annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 17. In addition to shortcakes, hot dogs, chips, soda, seltzer water and bottled water will be available. Strawberry Shortcakes will be $5 each to eat alongside The Saugus Historical Society will be serving up some old-fashioned Strawberry Shortcake. (Saugus Advocate fi le photo) your friends and neighbors at the Legion Hall. Take out is also available – bring your shortcakes on a picnic! Food will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the American Legion Hall at 44 Taylor St. Want to really join in the fun? Volunteers are needed to ladle out strawberries – if you can lift a spoon, you have the necessary skills. Help serve shortcake for a half hour or hour and get reacquainted with your neighbors or meet some new Saugonians. Festivities will extend out onto the Roby School Lawn at 23 Main St., where the Saugus Garden Club will be holding its annual plant sale along with local vendors of crafts, “white elephants” and more beginning at 9 a.m.
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