we are team 4026, decatur robotics
Decatur Robotics FRC Team 4026 (formerly named Global Dynamics) competes in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). FRC combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. It is considered the varsity sport for the mind. Please email 4026@decaturrobotics.org for more information about joining the team. Students must be in good standing at Decatur High School.
Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 25 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors, and perform community outreach. Each January there is a new game released for us to participate in. We compete at regional, state, and world championship levels. FIRST stands for (For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology).
The team is open to Decatur High School students. The structure of the team will vary from year to year, but is built around a model of sustainability and active involvement for all team members. All students are welcome to participate in the design of the robot, documenting their ideas and presenting them to the team. We have a core build team, whose primary responsibility is to translate the selected designs into functional systems for the robot. The build team also requires team members to focus on the electronics and pneumatics that may be included in the design. A programming team develops the software for driving and controlling the robot and its systems. We do a lot of really cool technical stuff, such as:
CAD - Computer aided design (via Autodesk Inventor and Fusion 360)
CAM - Computer aided manufacturing using 3D printers and our new CNC machine
Machining - we use a mix of purchased parts and parts designed and manufactured in house
Electronics and sensors that interact with the environment
Pneumatics, intakes, launchers, lifts
The success of the program goes well beyond building a robot and competing at events and will need students to establish and manage an Impact Award (formerly Chairman's) presentation, coordinate outreach events, perform fundraising, and act as spokespersons for the team. Parents and mentors help kick-start these efforts and guide students during the season.
Please check out The Blue Alliance to track our team and events, see team history, watch new & old match videos, and get live scores of competitions.
The Game
After the game is released, we have six weeks to design and build a robot. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology) gives us a general kit of parts to use when building the robot and we have the ability to buy extraneous parts to build with and to specialize the robot. During the game, teams are randomly assigned to alliances of three, and these alliances have 2 minutes in each match to score points. After the qualifying rounds, the top 8 teams choose their alliances for the finals. After the 8 teams compete in a series of double elimination rounds, the winning alliance of the regional is determined.
Coaches
Scott Torrance
Scott joined the team as a mentor for the 2017 FRC season and took on the role as coach in the 2019 season. Scott is a Software Engineer for NetSuite Oracle. His oldest son, Josh, was a member of Decatur Robotics for 7 years before graduating and his youngest son, Jack, is now following in same footsteps. Scott has over 25 years of experience in the software industry and is a proud military veteran. He is an avid brewer, tinkerer, troubleshooter, and leader.
Deirdre Pierce
Deirdre Pierce is the AP Computer Science teacher at Decatur High School, former FIRST LEGO League coach, and coach of Decatur High School's FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics team. She joined the FRC team in 2021 and helped bring the team under the Decatur High School Career Academy umbrella.
Team Membership
Decatur Robotics FRC Team 4026 is a competitive team – not a club. Involvement with FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is a major commitment of time and students are expected to attend at least two weekly meetings (with additional weekday and weekend practices in January through April) and participate in all competitions outside of normal school hours. Team members should expect to attend at least four competitions. One event is in October. All other events are in March and April. Events are 2 to 3 days and involve the team traveling overnight. Students are also required to attend outreach events throughout the school year.
Parent involvement is required. There are many different choices which require time commitments on different days and times of day so everyone, regardless of work and family schedule constraints, should be able to find options that fit into their life.
We recognize that schedules are tight and students will have to manage their time to maintain their grades and other commitments, but the goal is to be an active member and help out in the best way they can. If families are not willing to commit at the level described above, this team is not a good fit for you.
