FTC Robotics
Serving as a builder and lead programmer to place high in the state in a competitive robotics challenge.
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How do you build a robot?
I had no clue either till this year. FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) gives a new challenge every year, competing with other teams to score the most points. Our team, full of rookies, had no clue where to begin. However, after a lot of blood, sweat, and tears; long hours in the machine shop; and even longer hours stuck programming, we had built one.

We went through the engineering design process, documenting it in our portfolio, created a full model of robot in CAD, custom-made almost every piece on it, and programmed a full autonomous mode to score maximum points. It worked better than we could've ever imagined, winning our regional qualifiers and going onto states. At states, we won the Think Award, placing 7th out of 48 teams.
Timeline
September 2023 - March 2024
Role
Lead Programmer, Builder
Skills
CAD - OnShape
Machining - 3D Printer, Laser Cutter, CNC Mill
Programming - Java, Finite State Machines
Control Theory - Motion Profiling, PID, Feedforward
Developed and utilized a PID controller, feedforward controller, and motion profile for smooth arm movement. See Github Repository and Control Award Submission.
Developed finite state machines for both teleoperation and autonomous movement.
Used OnShape to fully model and prototype every aspect of the robot, machining almost every part without prebuilt kits.
For more, check out the engineering portfolio.
"Removing engineering obstacles through creative thinking. This judged award is given to the team that best reflects the journey the team took as they experienced the engineering design process during the build season." -The Think Award