Fighting robots get teens' gears turning, teach tech, engineering and math skills

In the name of education, robots with names like Dry Bones, Grimlock and Ironhide took to the steel and Plexiglas arena erected in the Olathe Northwest High School gym and slammed it out in a battle-to-the-finish competition. At first glance it was all strength, agility and prowess, a Rock'em Sock'em clash. But at closer inspection, this was much more. It was a test of math, science and design smarts. Although a fast, durable bot and a quick-witted operator also played a role.