WE ARE TEAM 4026, DECATUR ROBOTICS

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.