WEB EXCLUSIVE The innobotics club met during lunch in Syufy Theatre’s backstage area to continue building the group’s robot mascot.

Club members cut pieces of plywood using a table saw to make the shape of the robot. The robot will eventually be able to drive around, move its arms and head, light up, talk and react to sounds, according to club head Halie Kim.

“Hopefully we will finish it by the end of the semester,” Kim said. “We created a new club policy, where members can work on the project during their free time, so we will be able to get more progress done.”

Club advisor Chris Person-Rennell, who also teaches robotics, says he tries to stay back from helping make the projects.

“As a mentor, I provide safety, resources and training,” Person-Rennell said. “I want them to be the ones who build and code the robots.”

Senior Natalie Lunbeck says she’s worked on her own projects, such as creating a Linux server, using what she learned through participating in the club.

“Before joining this club, I was strictly a software person,” Lunbeck said. “I was not interested in computer hardware at all, but I realized it is essential to have a background in both if you want to go into computer science.”

After the robot mascot is finished, the club will try building a bike-powered generator, according to Kim.

“The best part is working on exciting projects together as a club,” Kim said. “I love seeing how engaged members get.”