Robot Division

T&I

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.

Chassis

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

Electrical

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.

Mechanical

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

Programming writes code to run all of the robot’s functions using LabVIEW. Robot control deals 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.

Project Groups

Community Outreach

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

Mentoring

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.

A.P.E.D

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.

M.O.D

Info-Tech

Students create code for the team website. It is maintained and updated as necessary. A team scouting database is created, organized, and updated every year. This information is shared with all team members and other teams as well. Info-Tech is additionally responsible for the creation of engaging applications to share with fellow FIRST participants, as well as exciting games for all to play. The Apps Sub-Division is responsible for creating engaging apps to share with fellow FIRST participants, as well as exciting games for all to play.

Awards

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

Finance

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.

Media and Animation

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.
The Media team uses this content to create the annual scrapbook, the team’s Engineering Notebook, award submissions, and presentations. They also upload content to the team’s social media.
The Animation team uses Blender to create animations for awards, Gracious Professional Videos, reveal videos, and the Chairman’s video.

Graphics and Publications

The Graphics and Publications Sub-Division is responsible for creating and managing the team’s visual identity and publications. This includes designing all graphics, images, and flyers, as well as producing the team scrapbook, business plan, and other necessary documents.
The Graphics team designs all logos for projects, spirit wear items, button designs, and scrapbook layouts. They also create the annual business plan, which highlights the team’s structure, progress, and future goals.
The Publications team is responsible for the team scrapbook, business plan, and any brochures or pamphlets needed. They also complete all the layouts for event flyers.

Safety

 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.