Amidst the whirring of machines, the soft glow of computer screens, and the rustle of marketing materials, students of Team 7403, the Lighting Blue Lizards, redefine what it means to collaborate in a robotics team.
Team 7403 is more than a TCS after-school club; the group focuses on mechanics, programming/electronics, and marketing. Learn about the mechanic’s team that builds and produces parts, programs the codes for said parts to work, and finally, the “selling of the story.”
Mechanics – “The Backbone of the Lighting Blue Lizards”
The mechanics division plays a critical role in transforming concepts into tangible robots. They are responsible for the brainstorming, 3D modeling, initial assembly, maintenance, and improvement of the team’s projects.
“During the competition, I try to help the other senior engineers get the work done faster and find solutions to problems. It feels amazing to be helpful to the team, and I joined because I wanted to help, and also robotics is exciting,” Daniel Ibañes, Grade 10 mechanics team member, said.
The mechanic’s team works on the foundational elements, and thus the other sections depend on them. Pablo Escandon, grade 11 and mechanics and marketing team member, has stated they are like the backbone of team 7403.
“The whole team would not work without mechanics. Programming would be stuck, and Marketing would have nothing to show. I believe the work in mechanics is truly essential and necessary for the team,” Pablo Arango, Senior and programmer, said.
Programming and Electronics – “The Brains Behind the Brawn”
The programming and electronics division is the second largest. Through coding and circuitry, they breathe life into the machines, ensuring that the team’s robots can perform the tasks they were designed for.
“I’ve seen the power that programming has both inside the team and outside the world, such as jobs and helping people. Ultimately, in the programming and electronics sector, you learn about many, many things, especially in problem-solving, that allow our robots to work,” Arango said.
Given the fast-paced evolution of technology, the programming and electronics division constantly adapts and upgrades its skills. According to members like Arango, this makes its role integral and dynamic within Team 7403.
“The best example is the swerve drive system. The first time I went to compete, we noticed all the other teams had incorporated the system. And when we were programming the swerve drive system, we all had different ideas for the code, so it was challenging and fun trying to find out how to solve it,” Arango said.
Marketing – “Selling the Story”
The marketing division plays an equally vital role in the team’s functioning. They manage the team’s image, fundraising initiatives, sponsors, sponsor events, and public relations.
“Without marketing, none of this would be possible. I recently joined the department and realized how much work it was. We’ve had to organize sponsor nights, plan out where we are going to compete, and more. Since I joined, I’ve been able to see a new perspective of our team,” Escandon said.
The marketing team’s responsibility continues beyond crafting a compelling story; they also handle the crucial task of community engagement, bridging the gap between the team and the wider world. They make the team possible.
“It’s the slogan for the First Robotics Competition (FRC), which is gracious professionalism, and it teaches people to be humble with their knowledge, share their knowledge, and understand they always have to be professional,” Julian Zuñiga, teacher and coach, said.
