On Thursday, July 18th, the Qubit Bot team had an extraordinary opportunity to visit the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) in Austin, where we showcased the FTC robotics program and demoed our robot to Dr. Dan Stanzione, the Executive Director of the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC), and his esteemed staff. Organized by our team member Sohan, this visit aimed to bridge our community with one of the foremost institutions in high-performance computing. Our outreach event was a platform to educate, engage, encourage, and empower our team while learning from the experts at TACC. This visit was not just about exploring cutting-edge technology but also about sharing our passion for robotics and learning how we can integrate advanced computing techniques into our work.
Exploring the Visualization Laboratory
The first stop on our tour was the Simulation Visualization Lab, a space that brought data to life with stunning visual representations. Large monitors displayed simulations of historic earthquakes, asteroid impacts, and even black hole collisions. This immersive experience underscored the importance of data visualization in understanding complex phenomena, a lesson we can apply in troubleshooting and optimizing our robot's systems.
Learning About Supercomputing Infrastructure
Our exploration continued with a fascinating look at the evolution of supercomputers. From viewing the motherboards of the first supercomputers to examining a large metal disk used for data storage in the past, we were reminded of the rapid technological advancements that define our age. This segment of the tour highlighted the importance of continually seeking new and improved technologies for our robots.
The Supercomputer Room: Awe and Inspiration
The highlight of our visit was the tour of the supercomputer facilities. Standing before rows of towering server racks, we were in awe of the sheer scale and complexity of these machines. Ms. Fratkin explained how these supercomputers, cooled by innovative mineral oil immersion techniques, tackle some of the most challenging scientific problems. This visit inspired us to think creatively and look for innovative solutions in our robotics projects.
Sharing Our Passion: Presenting FTC
We then had the privilege to present our work and the FTC (FIRST Technical Challenge) program to the TACC team. We explained the principles of Gracious Professionalism and Cooperative Competition that guide our efforts. Our presentation covered the competition schedule, judging criteria, and the challenges we faced in previous seasons. We also discussed our current team and learning plan, which focuses on engaging with our community, educating ourselves through expert guidance, and striving for excellence in all aspects of FTC.
Demonstrating Our Control Bot
Our control bot demonstration was a highlight of the visit. We showcased its driving capabilities, LED lights, and sweeper intake, explaining the mechanics of the mecanum wheels that allow the bot to strafe. We discussed the challenges and excitement of incorporating AI and machine learning into our robot hardware and software, emphasizing our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in FTC.The TACC staff, including a FIRST alumni who mentors FLL teams, were fascinated and engaged, asking insightful questions that helped us refine our understanding and presentation skills.
Learning from the Experts
Dr. Dan Stanzione, a nationally recognized leader in high-performance computing, shared his extensive knowledge about supercomputing infrastructure. He spoke about Frontera, the fastest supercomputer at a U.S. university, and discussed the roles of TACC's Stampede2 and Wrangler systems. His insights into the different types of computing nodes, including those optimized for general-purpose computing and machine learning applications, were particularly enlightening.
Melyssa Fratkin, the Industrial Programs Director at TACC, spoke about fostering strong collaborations between industry and academia. Her work with Texas Women in HPC highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in technology fields, resonating with our team's commitment to empowering individuals through robotics.
Charlie Dey, Director of Training and Professional Development, emphasized the importance of continuous learning and the value of interdisciplinary research. His background in web development and scientific computing provided us with practical insights into developing educational content and training programs.
Lessons Learned
The outreach event was incredibly enlightening. Here are some key takeaways and how we plan to apply them to our upcoming FIRST FTC season:
Data Visualization and Analysis
Just as TACC uses advanced visualizations to understand complex data, we will enhance our robot's data analysis capabilities to better understand and troubleshoot issues.
Innovative Cooling Solutions
Inspired by TACC's use of mineral oil for cooling supercomputers, we will explore innovative ways to manage the heat generated by our robot's components.
Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Research
We will foster a culture of teamwork and knowledge-sharing within our team, emulating TACC's collaborative spirit to enhance our collective problem-solving abilities.
Continuous Learning
We will leverage the knowledge shared by TACC's experts to refine our training programs and stay updated with the latest advancements in robotics and computing.
Empowerment and Inclusion
Following Melyssa Fratkin's example, we will strive to create an inclusive environment that encourages participation from diverse backgrounds, ensuring everyone feels empowered to contribute.
Moving Forward
Our visit to TACC was an inspiring and transformative experience that aligned perfectly with our team plan: Engage, Educate, Encourage, Empower, and Excel. We are excited to implement the lessons learned and continue our journey in the world of robotics with renewed vigor and insight. We are building more than a robot; we are building a future where innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning drive us forward. The insights gained from TACC will undoubtedly propel us towards success in the upcoming FTC season, as we strive to excel in all aspects of our work and inspire others along the way.
Thank you to Dr. Dan Stanzione, Melyssa Fratkin, Charlie Dey, and the entire TACC team for their time, knowledge, and encouragement. We look forward to continued collaboration and sharing our journey with you.
About the Speakers
Dr. Dan Stanzione, Executive Director of TACC / Associate Vice President for Research, UT Austin
Dr. Dan Stanzione is a nationally recognized leader in high-performance computing. He has been the Executive Director of TACC since 2014 and Associate Vice President for Research at UT Austin since 2018. His projects include managing Frontera, the fastest supercomputer at a U.S. university.
Melyssa Fratkin, Industrial Programs Director, Industry Engagement Office
Melyssa Fratkin oversees TACC's corporate partnerships and government relations activities. She is the founding co-chair of Texas Women in HPC and serves in various leadership roles aimed at promoting diversity in high-performance computing.
Charlie Dey, Director, Training & Professional Development, User Services
Charlie Dey is responsible for organizing and developing content for TACC's academic courses and professional development programs. His background includes web development, scientific computing, and research consulting for NASA.
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