Our 2025 robot, Rattler, gets its name from the distinctive rattling sound it makes as it maneuvers across the field. Fittingly, 2025 is also the Year of the Snake - a fun coincidence that matches our robot’s personality and design!

Rattler's special features:

• An award-winning custom-built sliding arm, crafted from scrap parts

• A gear-powered intake and wrist for efficient handling of game elements

• 3D-printed wheel guards, protecting the drive system with a sleek, custom fit

• Odometry integration, as we continue learning advanced autonomous navigation and positioning

With a mix of ingenuity, precision, and a little bit of snake-like charm, Rattler is ready to take on this year’s FTC challenge!

Our team proudly earned the Think Award at both of our Qualifier Events this season! 🎉 This award recognizes teams that demonstrate a strong engineering design process and innovation in problem-solving. Judges highlighted our custom sliding arm and wrist design, which overcame key engineering obstacles through creative thinking and detailed documentation in our engineering portfolio. Winning the Think Award reflects the hard work, teamwork, and dedication our students put into designing, testing, and refining our robot throughout the season.

In March 2025, our team had the exciting opportunity to participate in the Global Technology Conference (GTC) hosted by one of our team sponsors, Analog Devices Inc. (ADI), in Boston. We proudly represented the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) community by showcasing our robot to industry leaders and innovators. Beyond sharing our work, students explored cutting-edge technology and connected with talented programmers and engineers, gaining inspiration and insights for their own STEM journeys.

Our team traveled to Jackson Walnut Park School in Newton, MA, where we introduced 20 middle school students to the world of robotics. Students had the chance to drive and interact with our robot, sparking curiosity and excitement about STEM. It was a fun and inspiring day, as we shared our passion for robotics and encouraged the next generation of innovators to explore what’s possible through teamwork and technology.

From October to December 2024, our robotics team mentored the FIRST Lego League team of the Eliot School for Innovation. Being a rookie team, they greatly benefitted from our advice on improving their robot game and innovation project.

To celebrate Mother’s Day, our robotics team organized a creative fundraiser to support the upcoming season. Team members designed and 3D-printed custom toys and also created unique robotics-themed stickers. The event was a great success, not only raising funds that will help cover a part of the materials cost for the team but also helping build awareness of our team’s work within the Newman community.