One of the reasons why many students join FIRST is that it offers something for everyone. One of the activities that only somewhat involves “the robot” is animation. Teams can use Autodesk 3dStudio Max or Maya software to create an animation that answers the season’s challenge. This year, the theme was “Change Your World.” After much brainstorming, the animation subteam decided to focus on the ever-present need to find new energy resources. We took a look around our own homes and thought what if we could possibly generate enough energy when we use our appliances, our exercise equipment, our rooftops. We can create new “green energy” to replace the energy we consume.

This year’s game “Breakaway” challenged teams to make some very difficult choices for the final design of the robot. The Green Machine’s Computer Aided Design (CAD) subteam drew up a 3d model and dimensions before the build subteam cut their first pieces of metal. Under guidance from engineering mentors well-versed in Solidworks, the CAD subteam prototyped Zazu from multiple angles. During the first two weeks of the build season, CAD worked every evening to come up with an effective design. The final decision was an eight-wheel chassis, with a kicker pulled back by a motor and a telescoping device to pull the robot up during the final seconds of the match.