Robotics Program

The 2023-24 robotics season was a journey of discovery, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of innovation for our school's robotics team. Hosting the FIRST Robotics Competition Reveal kick-off on September 9th, 2023 set the tone for a year marked by camaraderie, learning, and remarkable growth.

The season began with an energetic gathering on our campus, where four teams assembled for the live-stream broadcast of the competition. The atmosphere was electric, with groups sharing ideas, showcasing robots from previous seasons, and diving into the new game, "Centerstage." This event was a microcosm of what the season would entail – teamwork, inclusion, fun, impact, innovation, and discovery.

Under the guidance of dedicated teachers, students learned the essentials of designing, building, and refining their robots. Initial tasks involved understanding the rules, assigning team roles, and getting familiar with the components in the REV robotics kits. With a focus on teamwork and problem-solving, students built the robot's chassis and then designed an arm and claw to handle pixels for scoring points.

The team’s first competition took place on November 11th at Seminole High School. The team was filled with excitement and anticipation, but faced challenges right from the start. Despite issues with the chassis that prevented the robot from lifting pixels, the students showed resilience by adapting their strategy to push pixels instead. This experience underscored the importance of perseverance and adaptability.

December 9th brought our second competition at Arthrex in Naples. The team enjoyed the luxury of a local event and demonstrated significant improvement, although claw durability issues persisted. The experience provided valuable insights for modifications, and the team spent the last days of the semester and Christmas break reworking their robot. Despite setbacks, including a broken claw during the competition, the team’s spirit remained high.

The third competition on January 13th at Boca Ciega High School marked another step forward. The team experimented with hanging on the rigging and launching a drone, achieving mixed results. The challenges of lifting a heavy robot and the need for stronger gears led to further redesigns. This iterative process of testing, failing, and refining highlighted the team's dedication to continuous improvement.

The final regular competition at Braden River Middle School on February 3rd was a testament to the team's growth. Although they did not qualify for the state competition, they succeeded in hanging from the rigging, launching their drone, and scoring in the autonomous mode. Each success was hard-earned, reflecting the students' grit, persistence, and determination.

Throughout the season, the robotics team learned invaluable lessons and grew both as individuals and as a cohesive unit. By the time they approached the Diocese of Venice competition in April, their hard work culminated in a robot capable of performing all intended functions – drone launch, hanging, and pixel pickup – albeit not simultaneously. The team’s journey was a powerful example of how challenges can be turned into opportunities for growth and learning.

Looking ahead, the team is more determined than ever to build on their experiences from this season. The knowledge gained, the skills developed, and the camaraderie forged have set a strong foundation for future success. With an unwavering commitment to innovation and teamwork, our robotics team is poised to achieve even greater heights next year. Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.