The FIRST(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics program is a program for students. Students do not have to be the smartest or the best at anything to do tasks for the Robotics Team. Anyone can be an important and valuable member by trying their hardest to learn and contribute to the team. The team consists of sub-teams with include mechanical, electrical, programming, 3D animation, speech, presentation, public relations, and spirit. New team members learn the basics of the metal and wood shops while getting in on the robot action in the “Bot Shop” located at 101 S. Swift St. in Winnebago.
Mechanical
The mechanical sub-team constructs the robot. The components of the 2008-2009 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 electrical 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 past robots.
Programming
The programming sub-team has a very important job. It checks the robot to make sure it is functioning properly. The team also makes sure the camera, controls, and motors are working properly. This team also programs and tests the robot for autonomous mode that is 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, awards and works extremely hard creating movies for the team. The work is hard and tedious, but does not get all the appreciation it deserves.
Speech, Presentation, and Public Relations
This group of students are involved with making Power Point presentations to sponsors and various community members interested in the robot. Also they have made posters for assorted community outreach programs.
Spirit
The spirit team was started in 2007. The team has started holding meetings, planning the mascot, posters, banners, cheers, and other spirit wear for the competitions. Mentors have greatly helped the spirit team get organized.
As you can see, there are many areas 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. The Robotics team has brought together students that otherwise wouldn’t have met. This is why every school should have a Robotics team!
