What We DoThe FIRST Robotics program is a program for everyone. Students don’t have to be the smartest or the best at anything to do things for the Robotics Team. Anyone can be an important and valuable member by trying their hardest to learn and contribute to the team. Our new members learn the basics of the metal and wood shops while getting in on the robot action in our “Bot Shop”. Our different subgroups include mechanical, electrical, programming, 3D animation, speech, presentation, public relations, and spirit.
Mechanical
This sub-team deals with the building of the robot. The components of this year’s robot include the chassis, the drive system, the robot pickup, and the arm. The duties of this sub-team include welding, cutting, and manipulating different materials to use on the robot.
Electrical
Think Wires! This sub-team wires the robot, gets appropriate motors, builds the control panel, makes sure the batteries are charged, and perfects the joysticks. The electrical team is also constantly called on to fix problems with our past robots.
Programming
The most important thing that this sub-team does is checking up on the robot to make sure it is functioning properly. They also get the camera, controls, and motors working properly. The sub-team also programs and tests the robot for autonomous mode, a part of the game where the robot needs to function completely on its own.
3D Animation
The animation sub-team creates a 3D animation for presentations and awards. They work extremely hard creating movies for the team. The work is hard and tedious, yet does not get all the appreciation it deserves.
Speech, Presentation, and Public Relations
This group of students are involved with making powerpoints for presentations to sponsors and various community members interested in our robot. They have also made posters for assorted community outreach programs.
Spirit
The spirit team was atarted last year. We have gotten organized and started holding meetings while planning our mascot, posters, banners, cheers, and other spirit wear for the competitions. Mentors have greatly helped us in this area by helping us decide and make all sorts of things, including our new mascot and banner.
As you can see, there are many things that students can contribute to a Robotics Team. FIRST robotics teams can use anyone’s skills, no matter what they are. That is why FIRST has such a good program going. A lot of students have come together to find skills they never knew they had. Our Robotics team has brought together students that otherwise wouldn’t have met. This is why every school should have a Robotics team!
