About LRT
Team 846, the Funky Monkeys, is a competitor in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition. Based in Lynbrook High School, the team has competed in FRC since the 2002 season, and continues to expand in both its membership and technology.
The idea of a robotics team at Lynbrook High School was conceived in 2001. It began as a fun and enjoyable project by Christopher Suen, Henry Chu, and Shesi Xie. With the help of Shesi’s father, Mr. Yang Xie, the three founded the club and received the FRC number 846. As with any new FRC team, the Funkey Monkeys had to face the challenges of the build season and competition. The short time limit of 6 weeks drove members to work very hard. Overcoming the challenges, the team created a competitive robot. As experience increased from season to season, the team continued to improve the design of the robot each year.
Currently, the Funkey Monkeys are highly competitive and perform fairly well every year. In the local Silicon Valley Regional Competition, team 846 usually scores in the top 16. Our robot’s innovative design has won several awards, such as the BAE Design Award in the Hawaii regional for the 2008 FRC season.
Aside from the technological side in competitions, the Funkey Monkeys also have a broad community outreach. Throughout our history, we have demonstrated our robots to inspire young minds at places like junior high schools and tech museums. We also value the FIRST concept of coopertition; we not only bequeath our knowledge to our newer members, but also to other teams. Veteran members lecture to local FRC team members in annual workshops held by the Western Regional Robotics Forum.
Furthermore, the Lynbrook Robotics Team has many socials for its members, with events such as Laser Quest, billiards, bowling, movies, and more. Outside of the club, the members also excel in academics and other extracurricular activities.
The Funky Monkeys have progressed a long way since its humble beginnings. We are now bigger than ever and will continue to improve ourselves in all areas. Of course, we will continue to spread the FIRST vision of celebrating science and technology.
Go Funky Monkeys!
