On Sunday, December 22, 2024, The Qubit Bot robotics team had the pleasure of hosting an in-person design session with FalTech (7079), a middle school robotics team from Four Points Middle School. This outreach event provided a unique opportunity for both teams to share ideas, overcome challenges, and celebrate the spirit of innovation that defines the FIRST Tech Challenge community.
Highlights of the Design Session
The session began with The Qubit Bot team demonstrating their robot from the current season. This demonstration sparked lively discussions about design, strategy, and the iterative process of improving a robot over time. Key topics covered included:
Design and Iteration
The importance of starting with brainstorming and sketches.
Transitioning from ideas to detailed CAD models.
Lessons learned from optimizing components like drivetrains and intake systems.
Problem-Solving and Collaboration
Addressing challenges such as stabilizing mechanisms and organizing wiring.
Sharing insights on team roles and responsibilities, including balancing technical and non-technical tasks.
Autonomous Programming and Machine Learning
Tips on using sensors and programming for autonomous phases.
Highlighting the potential of machine learning to enhance robot performance.
Engineering Notebook and Team Organization
Best practices for maintaining a detailed and effective engineering notebook.
Emphasizing the 50-50 balance between technical performance and presentation for award submissions.
Mutual Learning in Action
The event was not just about mentoring—it was a collaborative exchange of ideas. During a demonstration match, FalTech’s fresh perspective helped The Qubit Bot identify an issue with their robot’s lift mechanism. This moment underscored the value of teamwork and the importance of viewing challenges from different angles.
Takeaways for FalTech
FalTech left the session equipped with actionable insights:
Improved strategies for stabilizing mechanisms and organizing their robot’s wiring.
Enhanced understanding of testing and troubleshooting to refine performance.
Excitement about incorporating sensors and programming techniques for autonomous tasks.
Inspiration to maintain a robust engineering notebook and plan for award submissions.
Reflections from the The Qubit Bot Team
For The Qubit Bot team, this outreach event was a rewarding experience that reinforced the importance of mentorship and collaboration in STEM. Witnessing FalTech’s enthusiasm and curiosity reminded the team of their own early days in robotics and reignited their passion for fostering the next generation of innovators.
Looking Ahead
This design session was a testament to the power of shared knowledge and community in robotics. Qubit Bots looks forward to future collaborations with FalTech and other teams, confident that these connections will continue to inspire growth and innovation across all levels of the FIRST Tech Challenge.
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