History of Robots and Drones produced by HHS Robotics Program

(Oldest at the top, scroll down to see more)

2022 FRC Robot

Name: Sabertooth I

Our first FIRST Robotics Competition robot from 2021-2022 season. We learned a lot building this robot using a design called the "Everybot". It was modified it from the initial design but it did very well in competition for our first FRC season. At Ohio Buckeye Regional the team won "All Star Rookie" team, "Highest Seed Rookie" team, and "Wildcard" invitation to National Championship. Also, used at 2022 MVRC and Howland "ALL ONE" school events.

2022 mBot Mega Training bots

Name: Mega or mBot

Parents, Independent Donors, and the Gates Foundation (thru DonorsChoose) purchased 6x mBot Mega robots for our new students to train with building and driving. Included a metal body, Arduino controller, and mecanum wheels (omni-directional). Also used at Aptiv and 2023 Howland "Roaring Future" events to allow kids to drive and use their robot arms.

2023 thru 2026 VRC Robots

Name: VEX 1

A REC Grant allowed us to start our first VEX Robotics Competition team with a VEX Robot starter kit. The team competed in December 2022 at Mahoning Valley VRC Blended Invitational and again in February at Mahoning Valley VRC Qualifier at MCCTC in Canfield, Ohio. Plan to have a 2nd team in 2023-2024 season with a new Game Area.

2022 - 2026 "Drones in School" Stock Drones

Name: Tiny Hawk

Received our first Drone kits (TinyHawk II) from TCESC to use for competitions in the Trumbull County Drone Racing League (TCDRL). Also, we had a newer drone (TinyHawk III) donated from a mentor of the program. Our first Drone team raced at Youngstown Regional Airport and took 5th place (3rd in racing performance). Plan to have a 2nd team in 2023 season with additional drone capabilities in the lab.

2023 FRC Robot

Name: Sabertooth II

Our second FIRST Robotics Competition robot from 2022-2023 season. We learned even more with this robot using pneumatics (grabber) and a large elevator arm system (extension). At Ohio Buckeye Regional the team ranked higher. Then we were invited to the Ohio State FRC Championship where we WON as part of the #1 Alliance. Also, we demonstrated it at the Howland "Roaring Future" event.

2023 Omni-Directional Robot

Name: Mountain Cat (also known as "Chair Bot" or "Bell Bot")

Completed our first large omni-directional robot using Mecanum wheels and Radio Controller (not Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). It will be the basis for many other robots using radio control for school and community activities. This robot is very robust and we plan to have students use it to carry the Howland School Air Bell for various events.

2023 Chair Bot (Module)

Name: Chair Bot

Students completed our first "Chair Bot" using the Omni-directional base robot, a Summit racing seat and 5-point racing restraints. It was first demonstrated at the OH Wow! Science Center Silly Science Sunday (2023). We expect the students to be driving this robot at various community events (kids love to ride in the Chair Bot as other Robotics teams have demonstrated).

We use at Pep Rallies, Community Events, Jen+Tonic (2024), and Silly Science Sunday (2024).

2024 FRC Robot

Name: Sabertooth III

Our third FIRST Robotics Competition robot from 2023-2024 season. We learned a lot about SWERVE DRIVE systems (like powered casters). We used the kit bot foam ring shooter but students enhanced it to pick up from the ground and feed through the robot. At Ohio Buckeye Regional the team ranked about the same as the previous season. This robot taught the team (designers, coders, builders) a lot of lessons that could be used for future years.

2025 FRC Robot

Name: Sabertooth IV

Our fourth FIRST Robotics Competition robot from 2024-2025 season. This was the first full elevator design with cable chains and lots of sensors (while still using Swerve Drive which the coders perfected for the season). This robot had cameras for April Tag recognition which was the first time our coders/designers used them. At Ohio Buckeye Regional the team ranked higher but not high enough for Ohio State FRC Championship.

This robot was used at Voltage Valley Vibe in October of 2025 and the team WON the event as part of the winning alliance.

2025 & 2026 Drones

Our Drone team was invited to the Drones in School National Champtionship in Detroit, Michigan and the Xponential Conference. This was the first time for the team to be at such a large event (very exciting for students and chaperones).

Our display was well received but did not recieve any awards. Our drone designs were unique but too heavy for small racing drones (we will focus on lighter drone frame designs in the Fall using the correct motor to battery combination).

It was a great experience for everyone and the team will come back next year to win it all!

2026 FRC Robot

Name: Sabertooth V

Our fifth FIRST Robotics Competition robot from 2025-2026 season. We learned even more with this robot using pneumatics (grabber) and a large elevator arm system (extension). At Ohio Buckeye Regional the team ranked much higher (just above the middle). Then we were invited to the Ohio State FRC Championship where we made it to the finals but our alliance lost to the Champions.

We plan to use this robot at the Voltage Valley Vibe pre-season event at Warren G Harding High School (October).

2026 T-Shirt Cannon Robot

This is our first attempt at an Off Road T-Shirt Cannon Robot. The cannon design was developed by students in 2025. The kids ATV base was donated by the school principle. Everything is overkill on this robot but we think it makes it seem more like a "Road Warrior" machine.

We tested at the Jen+Tonic Polo for STEM event in East Palestine, Ohio and it was able to fire t-shirts until it blew a fuse. The steering servo system will be analyzed by students as the school year begins (next week).

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