Organization
To meet deadlines and goals, Edina Robotics FIRST Team 1816-The Green Machine, is divided into specialized sub-teams.
There are many projects and tasks that a FIRST Robotics team must accomplish during the year. To meet deadlines and goals, Edina Robotics FIRST Team 1816-The Green Machine, is divided into specialized subteams: Robot Build (Drive-train, Chassis and Manipulator); Computer-Aided Design (CAD); Corporate Sponsorship; Programming and Electrical Wiring; Facilities; Media (Communications and Animation), and Outreach. These subteams accomplish assigned tasks that range from promoting the team to corporate sponsors and acquiring funding, to programming a competition robot, to mentoring FIRST Lego League, FIRST Tech Competition and other FRC teams. Combined, all of these functions make it possible for the entire team to perform well. Team members will often cross over into other sub-teams when working on the robot, and all team members are involved with outreach and corporate fundraising.
Robot Build (Drive-Train, Chassis, Manipulator)
This subteam is in charge of the parts of the robot that allow it to move and are responsible for the skeletal structure of the robot. They help design and construct the robot’s drive-train system. Last-minute adjustments to either the drive-train system or the skeletal structure are made by this team. At the same time, members also work on any part of the robot that manipulates objects in the field of play. An example of this would be an arm used to pick up and stack items. They also design and construct the pneumatics that make the robot’s manipulator work.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Using computer drawings, the CAD subteam is able to see which design choices work and which don’t, without having to build multiple prototypes.
The CAD (Computer-aided Design) subteam uses specific drafting software to create designs for the robot. Using computer drawings, they are able to see which design choices work and which don’t, without having to build multiple prototypes. CAD members learn how to simulate the robot’s motion and analyze the robot’s height and weight, which is important because the robot has to meet design specifications or it will be disqualified from competition.
Programming and Electrical Wiring
This subteam is in charge of all of the robot’s electrical systems. This includes the electronics, wiring, circuitry, and sensors. They also develop, write, and edit the computer programs that allow the robot to function in both an autonomous mode (without operator control) as well as when a human operator is in control.
Facilities
This subteam receives the map of what the playing field should look like from FIRST. When space permits, they set up a practice field and build game pieces so that we can test our robot before it is shipped to competition and also to help demonstrate our robot. They also design and set up the pit area at the actual competition. Lastly, they build the shipping crate that the robot is transported in to and from competitions.
Media & Communications
Wherever The Green Machine is in action, a member of this sub-team is there to document it.
Wherever The Green Machine is in action, a member of this subteam is there to document it. They are also responsible for the team’s website, act as project managers for our Maya animations, and various other media projects. The Animation group operates as an autonomous subteam within Media. Media subteam members are also in charge of the team’s internal communication.
Outreach
Every FIRST team is charged with the mission of promoting the benefits of learning the technology and engineering that robotics relies on, and of inspiring young people to investigate careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
Every FIRST team is charged with the mission of promoting the benefits of learning the technology and engineering that robotics relies on, and of inspiring young people to investigate careers in the fields of science, technology engineering and math. Our Outreach sub-team coordinates events, seminars, and activities that reaching out directly to students at other schools, to those involved with other FIRST Robotics teams (including FIRST Lego League), and to our community-at-large. The Chairman’s Award submission is handled by this sub-team.
Corporate Sponsorship
Our team’s Co-Captain plays an essential role in helping our team members contact and solicit corporate sponsorships. All forms of sponsor presentations, including Thank you letters, team presentation materials, collateral materials, handouts, as well as pit signage, t-shirts, giveaways, and costumes for our team mascot. The Co-Captain also is in charge of the team’s financial records and acts as team treasurer.
