There are a total of seven subteams: Business and Media, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Mechanical and Manufacturing, Electrical, Software, Game Field Construction, Strategy and Scouting. All subteams work together to help our team run smoothly. No previous experience is needed to join the team. Because of our small size, students often belong to multiple subteams. This organization and many of the descriptions below were inspired by and adapted from Team 1678, Citrus Circuits.

BUSINESS AND MEDIA

The Business and Media subteam utilizes a wide range of skills and is in charge of the majority of non-technical tasks. Throughout the year, they contact sponsors for fundraising, write grants, track income and expenditures, and complete the yearly business plan. To maintain the team image, they write and release social media posts, newspaper articles, monthly newsletters, and design the website and all team apparel. Of course, they are the ones responsible for hype videos.

COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN (CAD)

We design and manufacture almost all of our own parts. The CAD subteam uses Fusion 360 to create parts, assemblies, and mechanisms for our robot. They work closely with Mechanical and Manufacturing on design ideas, feedback from prototyping, and so on. Final design specifications are handed over to Manufacturing.

MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING

The Mechanical and Manufacturing subteam works closely with the Computer-Aided Design subteam to design, prototype, and manufacture parts based on the design specifications using a wide variety of tools. Members receive training on the CNC mill and router (X-Carve), laser cutter, other shop tools, and 3D printers.

ELECTRICAL

The Electrical subteam is the connection between Mechanical and Software. Students on the subteam apply wiring design concepts to wire robot bases that Mechanical creates. The subteam also manages and calibrates all pneumatic systems on the robot. Electrical members become familiar with advanced electrical engineering as they work on these projects.

SOFTWARE

The Software subteam programs the robot for different sequences. They do this with the Java and Python coding languages. Both calculus and physics concepts such as velocity are used for the control system.

GAME FIELD CONSTRUCTION

This subteam works to build game pieces to use on the practice field. Students learn to read design drawings, create a list of materials, cut and organize parts, and build assemblies. Members receive training on the chop saw, circular saw, drills and other hand tools, and more. For particularly detailed pieces, members may work closely with Manufacturing to make use of the mill or router.

STRATEGY AND SCOUTING

Students on this subteam work to create a playbook that encapsulates certain scenarios, even those with the slightest possibility of occurring on the field. They draw out plays and teach them to the drive team to better prepare them for the stress of mid-match reactions during competition. All students must have solid critical thinking skills, which they use extensively when creating the playbook.