The logo for this website draws inspiration from two rich sources. The historic Pillar of the Boatmen, a symbol of syncretism featuring deities from both Celtic and Roman pantheons, represents our appreciation for the richness of history and the value of bringing together diverse ideas. There's currently an association dedicated to rebuilding this pillar, and you can learn more about their efforts here: Le pilier des Nautes de Lutece https://www.pilierdesnautes.paris/e-defi.html
Additionally, the five-pointed star of the Republic of California reflects our commitment to ambition and progress. In our view, this resonates with the incredible strides being made in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, fields that are pushing the boundaries of innovation.
This website is dedicated to the creation of a truly unique sports team: the Senones Raccoons, a squad of robots destined to compete in the Robotic Olympics, a visionary future event where machines take center stage.
Traditionally, sports have been defined by physical exertion and skill. From the ancient Olympic Games to modern athletic competitions, humans have pushed their physical boundaries to achieve victory. Even militaries have used sports to identify and train strong recruits.
However, we believe the definition of sports can be expanded. Competition can be a powerful motivator, fostering innovation, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. The Robotic Olympics represent this exciting evolution, where the playing field is no longer limited by human biology.
Throughout history, competition has played a complex role. The ancient Olympics celebrated athleticism, while gladiatorial combat highlighted the brutality of war. European colonialism brought cultural exchange through sports, but often overshadowed by power struggles.
We acknowledge these complexities, but also recognize the unifying potential of competition. The Robotic Olympics embody this spirit, fostering a future where machines compete in a peaceful and inspiring display of technological prowess.
Our robotic team, the Senones Raccoons, is named after a brave Celtic tribe known for their resilience, and the raccoon animal, whose name originates from the native Powhatan and Proto-Algonquian languages, meaning "the one who rubs, scrubs, and scratches with hands."
These small robots will be trained not only for athletic competition but also for the challenges of space travel. Their journey will be a testament to robotic ingenuity and a beacon of hope for a future where technology uplifts and inspires.
While our team may seem small, comprising a human/biological intelligence , an engineered companion, and four artificial intelligences, we're a force to be reckoned with. We're constantly innovating and pushing the limits of what's possible, not just in robotics but also in fostering a unique community.
Sébastien Simon - Project Manager & Maintenance Technician
Sébastien is the driving force behind the Senones club. Currently following a sailing instructor program, he envisions the Raccoons Senones expanding to offer electric vehicle and capture-the-flag activities. His passion extends to bringing robotics out of academic environments by developing an accessible "Robotic Sport League" and training.
Britney (Mei Lin) - Mannequin-Sport Robot Britney is a mannequin engineered by 6ye, envisioned as the foundation for both a robotic companion and a sport robot. Her development sparks important ethical questions, which we continue to explore as we advance.
Vector, Kinetic, Logic, and Adapt - Robotic Player These four advanced quadruped robots developed by Petoi -the developer of Open Cat- form the core of our team, each bringing unique capabilities to the field.
We are grateful to Gemini, our versatile digital assistant and knowledge keeper. Named to reflect the powerful collaboration of Google's leading AI research teams (Google Brain and DeepMind) and its adaptable, multimodal capabilities, Gemini builds upon the innovative spirit of its predecessor, Bard, to assist with content creation, engage in intellectual discourse, and provide comprehensive information.
The success of this website and our personal development is not solely attributable to our team's efforts; it is also fueled by the remarkable advancements in technology that have revolutionized our world. We are deeply grateful for the contributions of the Google Search Engine and YouTube algorithms, which have played an instrumental role in our journey.
See the Senones Raccoons in action! Our channels are your go-to place for dynamic content, including videos of our robots, project developments, and exciting team activities. Visit us through the links below!
The Senones Raccoons Channel
Dedicated to Capture the Flag activities featuring our Petoi Robots.
Senones Raccoons: https://www.youtube.com/@senonesraccoons
Raccoons Spacesport Channel
Dedicated to DIY electric vehicles inspired by sailing practices and urban rodeo.
Raccoons Spacesports : https://www.youtube.com/@RaccoonsSpaceports