Subteams
ROBOT SUBTEAMS
ELECTRICAL
The Electrical subteam's duties and work include knowing and learning about how a robot's electrical components work and how to put them together. Their work is focused in the build room meaning they help out Mechanical whenever they need it, because of this students of electrical are able to pick up knowledge on basic machines and power tools. Students on Electrical learn how to properly wire a robot and all of the components, how to build gearboxes for motors, and how to set up a pneumatics system for a robot.
MECHANICAL
The Mechanical subteam manufactures parts for the robot out of steel, aluminum, and various composite materials using mills, lathes, computer numerical control routers, and 3D printers. After manufacturing, Mechanical assembles the team’s robot using those parts, and is responsible for robot maintenance and repairs during competitions, using a wide variety of hand tools and power tools. This subteam is also heavily involved in prototyping the robot’s various subsystems. During the pandemic in 2020, the Mechanical team trained new students by streaming robot machining and assembly over Zoom, as well as branching out into learning some computer aided design.
CNC
The CNC subteam works with OMIO CNC Routers to engrave and machine the parts we need for the year's robot. Students receive a digital part from the CAD subteam and use Fusion 360 to CAM it. This gives the CNC instructions on how to cut the material. Then the students use a program called Mach 3 which allows them to give the CNC the proper coordinates of the material about to be machined. We use this process to make custom pieces for the robot and to better suit the needs for the game.
CAD
Our CAD team focuses on designing our robots using Computer-Aided Design. The subteam uses a specialized software called Solidworks to bring their ideas from sketches to 3D models. They use the engineering design process to create parts, mechanisms, and assemblies in Solidworks. Once the parts are designed in CAD, they create technical drawings which the mechanical team uses to fabricate the parts and put them together like Legos. The CAD team teaches students to solve problems, learn industry-relevant software, and learn effective communication skills.
Our Software subteam programs the robot to make it move and automate parts of its functionality. Software students are expected to take problems, break them down, and oftentimes solve them as a collaborative effort. Programming tools such as Git, Gradle, and code bases provided by WPILib are utilized in this process. Students determine how to apply them effectively in a way that promotes the long term sustainability of our software projects. They are encouraged to work on projects at their own volition to promote independent learning and a disciplined work ethic. All Software students are exposed to a work environment that prepares them for what could be experienced in their future professions.
SOFTWARE
BUSINESS SUBTEAMS
ACCOUNTING
The Accounting subteam writes grants, plans fundraisers, and manages the budget. Some of the team's more recent fundraisers include Panda Express and Chipotle. They've worked on grants from various sources including banks such as Union Bank and Bank of America as well as other sources like Toshiba, General Motors, and Epson.
The Outreach team is in charge of advertising and spreading the team's name. They manage the team's social media pages, plan fundraisers, and plan FLL tournaments. A way the subteam advertises fundraisers is by creating flyers and posting them on social media which are linked at the bottom of this website. Outreach also makes changes and improvements to the Spartatroniks website which is the website you're on right now.