roboloco #5338
TRANSCRIPT
RoboLoCo #53382020 Interest Meeting
What is FIRST?
- FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
- A non-profit organization that hosts multiple robotics competitions
- RoboLoCo competes in FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition)
- FRC is the highest level of competition among the FIRST programs
Benefits of FIRST
- Learn about different technical STEM fields like programming and manufacturing
- Gain communication skills from working as a team
- Opportunities for scholarships, internships, etc.
- Learn to lobby with local politicians and congressional representatives
About the Team
- RoboLoCo is the only FRC team in Loudoun County
- Founded in 2014- Coaches: Dr. Tomlinson, Mr. Sarr- Mentors: Alex Sohn, Paulson McIntyre,
Michael Parker- Affiliated with the Academies of Loudoun- Student members are all Loudoun
students (students that live in Loudoun, not just LCPS students)
History
- Founded in 2014- Competed in the Chesapeake District Championship since its debut- Participated in the FIRST National Advocacy Conference numerous times
Season Specifics*
- Offseason- Likely 100% online- Team organization- Online workshops to learn technical content
- Build Season- Starts on first Saturday of January- 6 weeks long- Meetings are four times a week
Competitions
- 2 district events - earn points- All day on Saturday and Sunday - District Championships
○ Info TBD
- Scouting, drive team, spirit, pit team- 2 - 4 meetings per week and
competitions (with relaxed weeks)
Fees*
- There will be $100 team fees that cover○ 1 T-shirt ○ All meals at competitions
- Form for hoodies, windbreakers, etc sent out during pre-season
- TBD for money due date
Subteams
CAD/Manufacturing
● There is significant overlap between the two● CAD
○ We CAD in Onshape ○ Design robot subsystems and custom
parts● Manufacturing
○ Learn to safely operate a variety of tools and machinery
○ Fabricate and assemble different portions of the robot
Programming/Electrical
● Cannot learn one without learning the other
● Electrical ○ Control system
■ Electrical components■ Wiring
○ Vision processing (limelight)○ Use of many different tools
● Programming○ Java (object-oriented programming)○ Commands/subsystems
Communications/Outreach/Sponsorship● Sponsorship
○ Find and Reach Out to Companies and Businesses Who May Be Interested In Sponsoring Us
○ Maintain Contact with Current Sponsors ○ Send Thank-You Letters and Emails○ Update the Sponsorship Packet
● Communications○ Manage and post to all the social medias (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)○ Notifying all subscribers of RoboLoco with a biweekly newsletter (Sponsors, members)○ Award Essay Writing (Chairman’s, Dean’s List, Woodie Flowers)○ Can still work with other subteams to help them accomplish their goals
● Outreach○ Volunteer at outreach events/robot demos and STEM workshops○ Help build and code outreach robot ○ FIRST National Advocacy Conference
Graphics/Spirit
● The two subteams work together a lot● Graphics
○ Design banners and posters that will be displayed at competitions in the pit
○ Design team merchandise (shirts, pins/buttons, etc.)○ Create other team-related graphics
● Spirit○ Manage team merchandise○ Create a competition dress code○ Design the team pit
Visuals
● Keep the picture and video archive organized● Take pictures and videos throughout the year at meetings, outreach events, and at competitions● Create the teams Chairman’s video● Take pictures during matches at competitions● Some of the specific equipment involved are 4K SOHO video cameras, balanced mics, and
ADACs. There are also screens, stands, and lighting involved.
Strategy
- Match Scouting (data...data...data)- FRC Scouting App: recording match statistics, and results- Data Science/Analysis: making smarter decisions with
data
- Pit Scouting- Communicating and Collaborating with other Teams- Building New Relationships
- Data-Sharing with teams- Alliance Selections
Website
https://www.roboloco.org: a professional overview of our team!
● Blog Posts○ Team Progress
○ Up-to-date pictures
● Website Maintenance○ Sign in/sign out system
○ Making improvements to the website design
Safety
Safety is one of the most important aspects of robotics, especially since you’ll be working in a high-tech environment.
● Safety objectives○ oversees everyone ○ ensures that everyone is participating in safe practices○ Create safety-related projects/activities (more information if you are interested in this)
● Tests and Training○ To have access to the makerspace
Questions?