Jahnvi Bheemarasetti

During the 2024  fall season for Iron Claw Robotics, team 972, we began driver training much earlier than in previous years. We started the process in mid/late September to give new and returning students a chance to try out our last year's competition robot, Vivace. Although initial attempts to provide time for students to get accustomed to the robot did not succeed due to technical issues with tape strength, wheels, and an inconsistent area to drive, improvements in field setup meant that with each practice, we were able to get more and more time to drive. In mid-October, we decided that we were ready to have driver tryouts and set a date for the 27th of October. For driver tryouts, we brought out each student who wanted to become the driver one at a time to complete certain tasks in front of a group of evaluators consisting of the team captains. These tasks included weaving through cones, driving in circles while keeping the robot pointed at a target, driving in a straight line, and driving in figure eight. Throughout these tests, the students were timed and penalized if they hit either one of the cones being used to make the course or the foam balls at the edge of the field. Once the tryouts were done the captains reviewed [...]

Welcome back! We are halfway through the Fall Season and we have been very productive in many projects and finishing tasks by the deadlines. Our year started with Provisional Council (PC) meetings, where students selected by last year’s seniors and team managers planned the kickoff with presentations, workshops, and subteam selections. On the first day, we welcomed new members, reconnected with teammates, and honored the 11 graduating seniors. The first week focused on introducing new students to our community, rules, and expectations, with presentations and activities like scavenger hunts and engineering competitions. These helped us discover the talents and passions of new members while reconnecting with returning students. Our Subteams:  While team managers selected the new LC, students focused on subteam assignments. We welcomed 16 new first-year students, who initially had no subteam. They received a detailed tour, heard from returning students about their subteams, and learned about Programming (Software), CAD, Machining (Manufacturing), and Control Systems (Electrical and Driver Controls). Afterward, they selected their preferred subteams, and senior students carefully assigned them based on skills, experience, and space. After subteam members were announced, subteam training was a go! Our new LC immediately started teaching the first-years the fundamentals, and our veteran students a review of last year. Curious minds were at work, eagerly working hard and learning. Programming: [...]