Tech High Robotics Enters Its 23rd Year

The 2024-2025 plan for the robotics team structure

After an enjoyable summer, we are back, and as of earlier this week robotics has started. We have completely redesigned the way in which our team operates, allowing for more opportunity at all levels. In the last two years, which were our first years in combat robotics, we made only one 15lb combat robot. Now, we plan to make at least one 12lb bot, and if we are able to, maybe even two. In addition, the team will build up to eight plastic 1lb robots. By doing this, we intend to address two issues that have existed in robotics in previous years, those being the limited amount of positions available for developing the bot, and the significant knowledge required to work in many technical positions. People can still apply for these 12lb positions, but everybody else will have the opportunity to work in a small group to build their own 3D-printed 1lb bots. The advantage of this is that we can integrate education into the process, by alternating classes in CAD and electronics. We may even have mentors to help teach these skills. This ensures that no student is left behind or is required to have prerequisite technical knowledge, only persistence and a determination to learn.

In our first meeting of the year, we began by explaining the basics of combat robotics, the team structure, and safety/expectations. Afterwards, the new students used LEGOs to build models of 250lb Battlebots. This allows students to gain an understanding of different bot designs in a fun and engaging teamwork activity.

A slide from the opening presentation at the first robotics meeting

We are also very excited to finally have our new 3D printers, a good 1lb combat robot arena, and all of the electronics for our plastic 1lb antweights. Management spent the first month of school planning the year out, which included ordering the tools and components needed for our 1lb robots. We also plan to host a 1lb combat robot tournament in the spring. Upon finding an arena for sale 2.5 hours away, we jumped at the opportunity. This will also double as our test box for the 1lb robots. We also have a fresh new logo!

That’s about it for now! We plan to start CAD and electronics lessons next week after the LEGO activity is finished.

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