Evolving from a pit mechanic to establishing two sub-teams throughout my two-year tenure in FIRST Robotics not only bestowed me with invaluable real-world engineering know-how but also ignited a profound and unwavering ardor for the art of manufacturing.
What is FIRST Robotics?
Fast Paced Competitive Engineering
The FIRST Robotics Competition is a globally recognized high school robotics competition that challenges teams of students to design, build, and program robots to complete specific tasks within a limited time frame.. Students work closely with mentors and industry professionals, gaining practical knowledge in mechanical and electrical engineering, software development, and project management. Through this experience, they learn problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills, ultimately preparing them for future careers in engineering and STEM-related fields.
My Team
Team 3729 is a Colorado based team connected to Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora Colorado. Founded in 2011, we had competed in 12 seasons by the time I graduated.
The Robots I Worked On
2022 Competition Bot
Utilizing a pneumatic intake, and hooded flywheel mechanism this robot was designed to collect, store, and launch inflated game balls at precise locations. As a mechanic I was in charge of the service and repair during operation.
(Pictured Top Right)
2022 Development Bot
Built during the summer, this robot was designed to test a new drivetrain system, and prove out an experimental design for future use. As Head of Research and Development, I not only built the program that made this robot, I also worked as a mechanic and contributed to the design and manufacturing work of this robot.
(Pictured Center)
2023 Competition Bot
Utilizing the high speed swerve drivetrain, novel lifting mechanism, and pneumatic manipulator claw, this robot was designed to quickly and efficiently locate, secure, lift, and precisely place asymmetric game pieces onto predesignated locations. As Senior Mechanic, I contributed significantly to the design of the mechanisms, the manufacturing of the components, the integration of the mechanisms, and the repair and maintenance of the robot during operation.
(Pictured Bottom Right)
My Roles
Having become a part of the team in 2021, I assumed diverse leadership roles and embraced multifaceted responsibilities. Beyond my designated positions, I was entrusted with leveraging my substantial experience and expertise to mentor and instruct new team members, contribute to manufacturing operations, and provide valuable support to fellow team leaders within the dynamic and time-sensitive environment of competition seasons. listed bellow are my various titles:
Team mechanic: 2021-2022
Tasked with maintenance and repair, I aided the Pit Crews with component repair and replacement in the high pressure atmosphere of a competition floor.
Head of Research and Development: 2022
Following the 2022 competition season, I founded the R&D team to explore novel mechanisms as a way to find competitive advantage. Besides overseeing the logistics and organization of this team, I also worked as a mechanic, and aided with component design and fabrication.
Director of Outreach and Community: 2022-2023
At the start of the 2022/2023 school year, I was tasked with rebuilding and revitalizing the outreach group of our team. During the offseason, I coordinated with corporate sponsors, established ties with other teams, grew our community volunteer work, and set up programs and events for the team to give back to the community.
Senior Team Mechanic: 2023
From the start of the 2023 competition onward, I was asked to work directly on the design and fabrication of the competition robot. During the first two weeks of this competition, I would end up designing over 100 individual components, before moving forward with fabrication. I would then help with the fabrication of almost 50 custom made components, before working with the other team specialists to assemble and integrate the mechanisms for the complete robot. During competitions I would then be placed in charge of the mechanics in the Pit Crews who were tasked with maintenance and repair on the robot.