Divisions and Project Groups

T&I is in charge of making sure all aspects of the robot work cohesively. This includes choosing the location of components, so they are in optimal positions, and so there are no conflicts or miscommunications between sub-divisions. If one component fails due to interference or vulnerability, the robot won’t work properly.

The chassis subdivision is responsible for creating the body or “chassis” of the robot. This is what allows the robot to move around the field.

The Electrical/Pneumatics Sub-Division powers all the motors with the Power Distribution Panel and controls them with code from the roboRIO. Members control the voltage distribution throughout the robot. They work hand-in-hand with both the mechanical and robot programming subteams.

They are also responsible for the compression and transportation of air pressure throughout the robot using compressors, regulators, and valves to ensure the safe use of air.

Students who are part of the Mechanical Division fabricate all physical parts of the team’s robot. There are six Sub-Divisions under the Mechanical Division: Carpentry, Chassis, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Shooter, Climber, and Gear.

Programming writes code to run all of the robot’s functions using LabVIEW. Robot control code talks with both the hardware (the robot) and the software which runs on top of it. Autonomous is operated directly by the code team members create; the interaction between driver/operator and the robot is controlled by them as well.

Community Outreach is a project group created to organize activities within our community, and engage people in the principles of FIRST.

Mentoring is a project group created to help smaller and newer teams learn how to properly build a robot, along with various strategies to help them be more efficient. Team members in this division go to other teams and teach them the necessary skills, along with helping them build their robot.

In 2012, a professor of recreational studies at West Virginia University contacted the team about building a robot to provide a way for those with physical disabilities to participate in Adaptive Physical Education.

APED applied the team’s technical skills to create a robot that can kick a soccer ball, and is currently working with Brad Weiner, an Adaptive Physical Education teacher, on a robot that can hit a golf ball.

TEEEM empowers today’s youth to become compassionate, impactful global citizens by providing free educational resources that cultivate empathy and social entrepreneurship – all to create a better, kinder world.

The International Project Group talks mentor to other FRC teams across the world, they made and update the Rookie Bookie every year and much more.

The Infotech Division brings together website development, app creation, scouting systems, graphics, and publications into one powerful team. Students collaborate to build and maintain the team website, develop the annual scouting database, and ensure all tech resources stay updated and accessible to teammates and other FIRST teams.

Graphics Division manages the team’s entire visual identity. This includes designing graphics, logos, spirit wear, images, flyers, and event materials, as well as creating layouts for scrapbook pages and other publications.

The team also produces key documents such as the annual business plan, scrapbook, brochures, and pamphlets — all of which highlight the team’s structure, achievements, outreach, and goals.

The Awards Sub-Division is responsible for evaluating award criteria and writing submissions, from essays to scripts, for the Impact Award, the Woodie Flowers Award, the Entrepreneurship Award, the Media & Technology Innovation Award, and the Dean’s List Award.

The Finance Sub-Division is responsible for researching and writing grants, organizing fundraising totals and recruiting new sponsors. A bill of materials is updated with robot expenses, and a detailed breakdown of both revenue and expenses are logged.

The Media and Animations Sub-Division is responsible for creating and managing all of the team’s visual content. This includes taking and managing pictures and videos, creating animations, and recording all of the team’s activities and match footage.

Oversees team safety and enforces safety rules. They are tasked with managing tool certifications, maintaining first aid kits, and instructing team members and mentors on emergency plans.

The Safety Captain and Co-Captain have weekly safety recaps during Build Season with the team. Safety outreach to other teams is ongoing, including collaborations with other teams. Safety improvement is ongoing.