OUTREACH
Outreach is an essential part of our journey as an FTC team. It allows us to connect with the community and spread awareness about STEM education. We can inspire young minds and cultivate their interest in robotics and technology by organizing workshops and demonstrations. Additionally, outreach events allow us to showcase our team's accomplishments and share our experiences with others.
POSITIONS
Coordinators: Our coordinators plan events and communicate with other organizations.
Implementation: Everyone on the team contributes to our events and team activities.
BUILD
Building a robot for our FTC team is an exciting and challenging task. It requires a combination of technical skills, creativity, and teamwork. The process starts with brainstorming ideas and designing the robot's structure and components. Each team member contributes their expertise and ideas to programming, electronics, and building mechanics to bring the robot to life.
POSITIONS
Design: Our design team develops plans for completing challenges with the robot. All team members participate in the design.
Build: Our build team physically puts together the robot and uses a trial-and-error system to ensure everything works smoothly.
3-D printing: our 3-D printers print out some necessary parts or materials generated by the design team.
Inventory: The inventory group ensures that all our parts are accounted for and well organized.
CAD: Putting the design ideas to work by creating models with CAD for both the robot, Engineering Portfolio, and 3-D printing.
PROGRAMMING
Programming a robot for FTC involves a multitude of intricate tasks. Every aspect of robot programming must be carefully considered, from designing algorithms to manipulating sensors. Our team members meticulously analyze the game rules and strategize how the robot can best navigate the challenges presented. We work collaboratively to write code that enables the robot to perform specific actions and tasks, such as autonomous movements or precise manipulations.
POSITIONS
Design: Our design team develops plans and ideas with our build team. All team members can participate.
Code: Our code team creates software that controls the robot. The team develops and debugs the code, which is primarily written in Java
Project Management
As a project manager on an FTC team, you are responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of the team's projects, including robot design, programming, and testing. Your role involves creating and managing timelines, delegating tasks, facilitating communication, and resolving issues that arise. You'll also track progress, manage the budget, and maintain documentation, all while keeping the team motivated and focused. Essentially, you ensure that all aspects of the project are organized and that the team works efficiently toward achieving its goals.
POSITIONS
Build Project Manager: oversees the design, construction, and testing of the robot, ensuring that it meets competition requirements and performs effectively. This role involves coordinating tasks, managing resources and materials, and troubleshooting issues during the building process to keep the project on track. They oversee the Build, Design, CAD, 3-D Print, Inventory, and Engineering Book Teams.
Programming Project Manager: ensures that the programming efforts are well-organized, efficiently executed, and effectively integrated with the overall robot design and team strategy. They oversee the Coding, Scouting, and Drive Teams.
Business Project Manager: This position involves a wide range of activities aimed at supporting the team’s operational, financial, and promotional needs. The manager plays a critical role in managing the team’s resources, engaging with the community, and ensuring the team’s activities are well-publicized and funded. They oversee Outreach, Accounting, Fundraising, Social Media, and Website Teams.
Engineering Book
Working on the engineering notebook in FTC means documenting the entire design and development process of your robot, including brainstorming sessions, design iterations, programming strategies, testing results, and team reflections. It serves as a detailed record of the team's progress, decisions, and problem-solving approaches, and is crucial for demonstrating the team's engineering process and innovation during evaluations and judging at competitions.
POSITIONS
Engineering Presentation Book:
Purpose: The Engineering Presentation Book is primarily used during the judging interviews. It serves as a visual aid and reference for judges as they ask questions about the team’s engineering process.
Content: It typically includes a concise summary of the team’s robot design, development process, and key engineering decisions. This might cover aspects such as design concepts, design evolution, and challenges faced. It usually contains visuals like photos, diagrams, and charts to help illustrate the team’s work.
Format: The Presentation Book is often a physical binder or a digital presentation (like a PowerPoint or PDF) that the team presents during the judging interview. It should be organized and easy to navigate, allowing the team to efficiently highlight their key points.
Engineering Portfolio:
Purpose: The Engineering Portfolio is a comprehensive document that showcases the team’s engineering journey throughout the season. It is submitted as part of the team’s overall project documentation and is reviewed by the judges before or after the presentation.
Content: It includes detailed information about the team’s engineering process, including research, design iterations, prototyping, testing, and final results. The portfolio typically documents the team’s progress over time, including milestones, reflections, and learning experiences.
Format: The Engineering Portfolio is often a bound book or a digital document. It should be thorough and well-organized, providing an in-depth look at the team's engineering process and accomplishments. It is designed to give judges a complete view of the team’s work beyond what can be covered in the presentation book.
Secretary
On an FTC team, the Secretary is responsible for keeping detailed and organized records of team meetings, including minutes, action items, and decisions made. They handle documentation tasks such as updating the engineering notebook, maintaining records of team activities, and managing communication between team members to ensure that everyone is informed and aligned with the team's goals and progress.
POSITIONS
Secretary
Accounting
On an FTC team, the Accounting role involves managing the team’s budget, tracking expenses, and handling financial records. This includes maintaining detailed accounts of all expenditures, overseeing fundraising efforts, ensuring compliance with financial guidelines, and preparing reports to help the team stay within its budget and allocate resources effectively.
POSITIONS
Accounting
Fundraising
Fundraising on an FTC team involves organizing and executing activities to raise money to support the team's expenses, such as robot parts, registration fees, and travel costs. This can include events like bake sales, sponsorship drives, and grant applications, as well as seeking donations from local businesses and community organizations. Fundraising is crucial for ensuring the team has the necessary resources to compete effectively and cover operational costs.
POSITIONS
Corporate Sponsors/Partners: Team :
Identify potential sponsors
Develop a Sponsorship Proposal
Build a Strong Case
Deliver on Promises
Evaluate and Improve
Leverage Long-Term Relationships
Example of Sponsorship Benefits
Local Partnerships Team:
All Team Members
Prepare Sponsorship Materials
Research and Target Local Business
Create an Outreach Plan
Schedule Meetings
Present Sponsorship Opportunity
Follow-Up
Showcase Sponsor Contributions
Evaluate and Maintain Relationships
Fundraisers:
All Team Members
Virtual Garage Sale
Garbage Can Cleaning
Bring Ideas and Team Build
Website
On an FTC team, the website manager is responsible for designing, maintaining, and updating the team's website. This role involves showcasing team information, robot updates, event schedules, and achievements, as well as providing resources such as contact information and sponsorship opportunities. The website serves as a central hub for communicating with supporters, sharing team news, and promoting the team's activities and accomplishments.
POSITIONS
Design: All team members participate in website design.
Website Manager: This position plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the team's online presence. It involves various responsibilities to ensure that the website effectively represents the team, engages visitors, and supports the team’s goals.
Content Management
Technical Maintenence
SEO and Analytics
User Engagement
Compliance and Accessibility
Promotion and Integration
Collaboration and Communication
Future Planning
By handling these responsibilities, the Website Manager ensures that the FTC Robotics team’s website serves as an effective communication tool, showcases the team’s accomplishments, and engages the community and supporters.
Scouting
In FTC, scouting is a crucial component of our strategic approach, reflecting the FIRST principles of collaboration and innovation. It involves researching and gathering detailed information about other teams' robots and strategies to enhance our competitive edge. This process includes observing their performance in matches, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, and collecting data on their tactics and designs. By leveraging these insights, we can better inform our team's strategy, enabling us to make data-driven decisions and adapt our tactics in response to the competition while fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect among teams.
POSITIONS
Scouting: The entire team will scout during competitions.
Drive Team
On an FTC team, the website manager is responsible for designing, maintaining, and updating the team's website. This role involves showcasing team information, robot updates, event schedules, and achievements, as well as providing resources such as contact information and sponsorship opportunities. The website serves as a central hub for communicating with supporters, sharing team news, and promoting the team's activities and accomplishments.
POSITIONS
Driver: The Driver is responsible for controlling the robot's movement and basic functions during the match. Needs to work in sync with the Operator and follow the Driver Coach’s instructions. Requires quick reflexes, spatial awareness, and the ability to adapt to changing game conditions.
Operator: handles the robot’s specialized functions, such as using attachments or mechanisms beyond basic movement. Manages mechanisms such as arms, claws, or other tools designed to manipulate game pieces or interact with the field. Works closely with the Driver to ensure the robot’s movements and actions are synchronized with the game strategy. Needs precision and coordination to effectively operate complex systems and respond to the game’s demands.
Human Player: is responsible for handling and placing game pieces, such as balls, cubes, or other objects used in the match. These pieces are usually placed on or retrieved from specific areas of the field. The Human Player coordinates with the team’s Driver and Operator to support the overall strategy. They need to be aware of the game plan and timing to perform their tasks effectively. They must time their actions carefully to align with the team’s strategy and maximize the robot’s performance. The Human Player must adhere to all game rules and protocols. This includes knowing the specific actions allowed and prohibited for their role.
Drive Coach: acts as the primary communicator between the Driver, Operator, and the team’s strategy and scouting data. Provides real-time guidance and instructions to the Driver and Operator based on the game strategy, field conditions, and scouting information. Helps adjust tactics and provides motivation during the match. Requires a deep understanding of the game rules, the robot’s capabilities, and strong communication skills to direct the Driver and Operator effectively.
Social Media
On an FTC team, individuals responsible for social media manage the team's online presence by creating and sharing content across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Their role involves promoting team achievements, upcoming events, and fundraising efforts, engaging with the community, and building a positive reputation for the team. They also help document and publicize the team’s journey throughout the season to attract support and build connections with fans and potential sponsors.
POSITIONS
Social Media Coordinator:
Responsibilities: Assists in executing social media plans and schedules posts.
Tasks: Manages the content calendar, schedules posts, and coordinates with other team members to ensure timely content delivery.
Content Creator:
Responsibilities: Produce engaging and relevant content for social media platforms, including text, images, videos, and graphics.
Tasks: Write posts, create visuals, and develop multimedia content that aligns with the team’s brand and messaging.
Video Editor
Responsibilities: Creates and edits video content for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Tasks: Produces videos that showcase team activities, achievements, tutorials, and other relevant content. Ensures high-quality production and editing.
Social Media Analyst:
Responsibilities: Tracks and analyzes social media performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of campaigns and strategies.
Tasks: Uses analytics tools to measure engagement, reach, and other key performance indicators (KPIs). Provides reports and insights to guide future strategies.
SEO Specialist:
Responsibilities: Optimizes social media content for search engines to improve visibility and reach.
Tasks: Implements SEO best practices, including keyword research and optimization, to enhance content discoverability.
Influencer Outreach Coordinator:
Responsibilities: Manages relationships with influencers and partners to promote the team’s activities.
Tasks: Identifies and engages with relevant influencers, negotiates collaborations, and tracks the impact of influencer partnerships.
Community Manager:
Responsibilities: Engages with the social media community and responds to comments, messages, and inquiries.
Tasks: Manages interactions, fosters community relationships, and professionally handles issues or negative feedback.
Graphic Designer:
Responsibilities: Designs visual content such as banners, infographics, and promotional materials.
Tasks: Creates visually appealing graphics that enhance the team's online presence and help convey key messages effectively.