FIRST Robotics

August 2017 - May 2021

Abstract

FRC is a program very dear to my heart, kicking off my love for mechanical engineering and robotics since I was a freshman in high school. Under strict rules, limited time and resources, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team.

‍

Goals

  • Build a 120lb, $5,000 robot every year for the FRC season
  • Design, build, and manage the mechanical systems of the robot as mechanical lead.
  • Work with other team leads to integrate sensors, wiring harnesses, and improve robot control.

Targets

  • Mentor and guide the next incoming class of FRC students.
  • Mentor FLL and FTC teams for competitions.
  • Host summer robotics bootcamps for elementary and middle school students.
⇩

Project Features

Robotic Control
SolidWorks
CNC Milling
Schematics and Wiring
Python
Training and Mentorship

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is a global robotics program that challenges teams to design, build, and program industrial-sized robots to compete in high-energy games. Every year, teams have six weeks to create robots for an intense competition that involves completing complex tasks like scoring balls or climbing structures on themed fields.

In Team #1683, the Techno Titans, I served as the Design Lead during my junior year of high school and later as the Mechatronics Lead in my senior year. As the Design Lead, I spearheaded the development of our robot in SolidWorks, meticulously ensuring that all components were properly designed and integrated before the build phase. Transitioning to Mechatronics Lead, I took on the responsibility of overseeing the fabrication and integration of all mechanical subassemblies during the build phase, ensuring our robot was fully operational and ready for competition.

Key responsibilities included:
- Leading brainstorming sessions with the team.
- Rapid-prototyping for proof-of-concept ideas.
- CAD design and compatibility with electrical harness and sensors.
- Delegating tasks for fabrication of the robot.
- Operating a CNC mill for metal parts.
- Being a pit crew member on standby to fix the robot during competition.

2021 - 2020
Hyperion

2020 - 2019
Aries

2019 - 2018
Kronos

Entrepreneurship Award 2020

Engineering Inspiration Award 2019

Creative Design Award 2019

Chairman's Award 2019

Beyond FRC competitions, a core component of FIRST Robotics is entrepreneurship, professionalism, and mentorship. A large part of who I am today is due to the many alumni and professional mentors who dedicated their time to help young students learn engineering principles.

I also did my part and helped our team host summer robotics camps for middle schoolers, mentored FLL (FIRST Lego League) / FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) teams, and trained new incoming students for FRC competitions.