First and foremost, we are one team. We are all working together towards the same goal: to learn, and to build a cool robot. However, specialization is necessary in order to complete the complex task of building a robot in the limited time frame we are allowed. To that end, our team is divided into different sub-teams, each one dedicated to a particular function.
Design Team
The design team is responsible for taking input from the whole team and combining the disjointed ideas into one unified design. While the whole team influences the design goals, the design team makes sure the robot will meet those goals. The design team makes sure we have a plan for a robot which can be assembled and will work.
Members of the design team will use tools such as sketches, whiteboards, low- and high-fidelity prototypes, and CAD (Computer Aided Design) to create, test, and iterate upon the design of the robot. They will also work closely with the manufacturing team to ensure both that their design is implementable, and that their design is being correctly implemented.
Manufacturing Team
The manufacturing team is responsible for building the physical structure of the robot. This team takes the robot design from the design team and actually builds the robot.
Members of the manufacturing team will use a variety of tools, including (but not limited to) files, pliers, riveters, drill presses, a band saw, a mill, and a lathe, in order to build the robot. They will also work closely with the design team to ensure that the design is implementable, and that the robot is correctly built according to the design.
Electrical Team
The electrical team is responsible for the electronics and wiring of the robot. They connect motors, wire cameras, connect electrical controllers, manage batteries, and perform other electrical-related tasks.
Members of the electrical team will use tools such as wire-strippers, wire-cutters, soldering irons, and crimpers to wire the robot. They will also make sure the wiring is done safely, using the correct fuses, circuit breakers, and wire.
Programming Team
The programming team is responsible for writing the code which will control robot. This team makes sure the robot does exactly what we expect it to do, when we expect it to do it.
Members of the programming team will use software such as Java, Visual Studio Code, and GitHub to develop code for the robot. They will learn concepts such as object-oriented design, PID control loops, version control systems, and motion planning. They are responsible for creating software to support both autonomous and remote-controlled operation of the robot.
Public Relations and Outreach Team
The public relations team is responsible our team’s public presence. This includes organizing outreach events, coordinating with the community, recruiting new team members, and maintaining the team’s social media.
Members of the outreach team will use tools such as Facebook, Instagram, and WordPress to maintain the team’s public presence. They are responsible for organizing community outreach events, where we demonstrate our robot and recruit new team members and sponsors.
Finance and Business Management Team
The finance and business management team is responsible for the team’s cash flows and budgets. This is the second-most important sub-team on our team: good luck building a robot without money! The finance team handles the team’s cash, managing expenditures and coordinating sponsors in order to gather revenue.
Members of the finance team will use tools such as Google Sheets in order to manage the cash flow of our team. They will coordinate with our parent organization (Shared Science) and recruit more sponsorships. They will apply for federal and state grants, and generally make sure the team remains solvent.
Safety Team
The safety team is responsible for the safe operation of all other teams. This is the most important sub-team: safety is our first priority! The safety team monitors team activities and gives regular safety presentations to ensure everyone is acting safely and responsibly
Members of the safety team will be responsible for monitoring other members of the team and ensuring safe practices are followed. They will create and post signs that remind team members to follow safe practices. They will ensure the availability and usage of safety equipment, such as safety glasses, earmuffs, fire extinguishers, and battery spill kits.