Introduction to Joining igKnightion
Myth #1: To join igKnightion Robotics you need to know something about robotics – FALSE, the mentors/adults and experienced students will teach you
Myth #2: You can’t be involved in any other activities to join robotics – FALSE, many of our students are involved in other activities and are still a part of the team, we do our best to work around conflicts and expect that you will attend regularly. If you are not sure please talk to the coach.
Myth #3: igKnightion Robotics is only about building a robot – FALSE, although fabrication with metal is certainly an important part of igKnightion, students have opportunities to apply Math, Science, experimentation, writing, public speaking, marketing (t-shirts, website, flyers), public relations, fundraising, programming, 3D design, woodworking, mascot.
Myth #4: Robotics is too expensive to join – FALSE, because we are not funded by the school, we need to raise all of our funds from sponsors and student fees. If you need financial assistance, I will make sure to find the funding to help.
General Info
This will be a commitment similar to being on any other team (football, basketball, etc.) It will involve long hours and hard work. You also need to be a team player, not everyone can be the quarterback - translation, you may not get to play the position you want. Freshmen through Seniors enrolled at Luther High School are invited to join.
We do multiple events a year – workshops, hands-on training, a scrimmage and our primary events are 3 day tournaments in March/April. For more information please visit our website or talk to the coach.
Click here to see our schedule.
Responsibilities of every team member includes, but is not limited to:
- paying team fees (guestimate is ~$250-$300 per person, financial assistance is available if needed), usually only for veteran students that attend an away tournament
- paying for team T-shirts (this is our "uniform"), cost is usually ~$15 per shirt with a minimum of 2 shirts required
- fundraising
- transportation to/from practices after school, after 6:00pm and/or Saturday mornings, 4-5 days a week during build season (Jan-Feb)
- desire to learn new skills (no experience necessary!)
- being academically eligible
- being punctual
- meeting deadlines
- working with others and being a teammate
- taking a leadership role
- committing to one or more 3 day tournaments in Spring (Thur, Fri & Sat) with overnight stay and travel
- enjoying the hardest fun you'll ever have
Learn about FIRST
FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12) that can be facilitated in school or in structured afterschool programs. Boosted by a global support system of volunteers, educators, and sponsors that include over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies, teams operate under a signature set of FIRST Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements during annual challenges.
An international not-for-profit organization (501(c)(3)) founded by accomplished inventor Dean Kamen in 1989, FIRST has a proven impact on STEM learning, interest, and skill-building well beyond high school. Alumni of FIRST programs gain access to exclusive scholarships, internships, and other opportunities that create connections and open pathways to a wide variety of careers.
Every student and mentor should have a good knowledge of FIRST, specifically the FIRST Robotics Competition. https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc
Robotics Team Subteams
There are 5 main subteams or groups within our team that all play important roles. Each student belongs to one of the subteams for the duration of a season. The next season they may choose to switch to a different subteam or stay in their current subteam. Depending on the size of our team we may split into varsity and JV levels to provide additional opportunities for our students.
Robot Build
Robot build is esponsible for designing, constructing, and adjusting the robot’s drivetrain system and the skeletal structure of the robot. Monitors Web sites (FIRST and Chief Delphi) for vital information and weight control of the robot. Responsible for the design, building and incorporation of any manipulators (including pneumatics) and sensors on the robot.
Electronics
Electronics coordinates the wiring of the robot, including all power and communication systems, electronics, wiring, circuitry and sensor systems.
Programming
Programming works on the design and construction of the control panel and develops the Java-based software necessary to drive the robot in both autonomous and teleoperated modes. Updates laptops with operation system software and robot system software. Updates firmware in roboRIO controller.
Aux Build
Aux Build Interprets FIRST supplied blueprints of the playing field and builds parts of the field according to those specifications. Designs, builds, and sets-up pit area at competition. Constructs shipping crate if needed for championships. Design and construct bumpers for robot; manage workshop and inventory of tools; coordinate with marketing the pit design regarding, and placement of, corporate logos.
Marketing
The Marketing team develops relationships with local businesses for sponsorships, as well as handles all fundraising activities. During competition, this team often speaks directly to groups, judges, and the media, and is typically stationed outside the pit area to greet other team members. They take still photographs and or video clips for such things as our website, scrapbook, trading cards, strategy evaluations, and other instances where a video record is useful or necessary. Members develop and edit many sections of the website.
Robotics Team Leadership Positions
ROBOT BUILD CAPTAIN:
Person responsible for organization and building all mechanical systems on the robot as well as building the driver station. May or may not be the primary builder as this position is based on leadership skills not build skills. Will take leadership role in planning and execution of robot building. Will help create a build schedule for robot and is responsible for sticking to it/ modifying it if necessary. This person will be the point person on all questions regarding build. Communicate with rules manager on robot regulations when necessary. Communicate with auxiliary build captain and programming captain on needs/ progress. Communicate with marketing captain on build progress 2x weekly for website updates.
ELECTRONICS CAPTAIN:
Person responsible for organization and building all electrical systems on the robot. May or may not be the primary builder as this position is based on leadership skills not build skills. Will take leadership role in planning and execution of robot electronics. Will help create a schedule for robot and is responsible for sticking to it/ modifying it if necessary. This person will be the point person on all questions regarding electronics. Communicate with rules manager on robot regulations when necessary. Communicate with programming captain on needs/ progress. Communicate with marketing captain on build progress 2x weekly for website updates.
PROGRAMMING CAPTAIN:
Person responsible for organization of and creation of all computer code and implementation on the robot, as well as troubleshooting code once deployed to the robot. May or may not be the primary programmer as this position is based on leadership skills not programming skills. Will take leadership role in planning and execution of programming. Will help create a programming schedule for robot and is responsible for sticking to it/ modifying it if necessary. Communicate with rules manager on robot regulations when necessary. Communicate with build captains on needs/ progress. Communicate with marketing captain on programming progress 2x weekly for website updates.
AUXILIARY BUILD CAPTAIN:
Person responsible for organization of building all auxiliary materials: including field parts, cart and pit (once the robot has been completed). May or may not be the primary builder as this position is based on leadership skills not build skills. Will take leadership role in planning and execution of auxiliary building. Will help create a build schedule for auxiliary needs and is responsible for sticking to it/ modifying it if necessary. This person will be the point person on all questions regarding building of these things. Communicate with rules manager on field and auxiliary part regulations when necessary. Communicate with robot build captain and programming captain on needs/ progress. Communicate with marketing captain on build progress 2x weekly for website updates.
MARKETING CAPTAIN:
Person responsible for public relations aspects of the game/ competition. Plan and organize team apparel/ costumes {with input from the team). Take pictures of activities of team throughout-update the website with pictures of progress. Communicate with other captains 2x weekly to get updates, and submit the progress & pictures to the website Blog for mentors and other teams to reference. Update bulletin board and keep school informed/ interested in Robotics Team progress. At competition, Marketing captain will be primary ambassador of the team, and will make sure our team is on top of gracious professionalism, building relationships with other teams, etc. Responsible for website design/ updating.
Safety Manager:
Person responsible for knowing where the first aid kit is at all times, and stocked properly. Making sure everyone (including mentors) is wearing safety glasses and being knowledgeable about all safety rules to inform team and mentors. Someone who will not be afraid to speak up.
Pit Manager:
Organize pit crew of 2-3 other students and rehearse efficient setup & takedown in minimal space and time. Setup pit at various events as necessary. Responsible for design and organization to make the most efficient use of space during competitions. Recommend purchases to improve workflow.
Scouting Manager:
Person responsible for watching competition matches and selecting teams that would complement our team's strategy. Student must come up with an organized strategy to create a rank of teams that are compatible with our robot and that we would work well will. After this selection is complete they will also be responsible for seeking out those teams and building relationships with them.
Tool Manager:
Person does a daily check of the tools, preferably at the beginning of each practice. Restore order to tool cabinet, cupboards, and any other areas-assure everything is in place for others to find that day. They will also assess additional tool needs by communicating with the Build Captains and adding to the shopping list if required. Everyone will be required to put away tools at the end of practice and make sure things are returned to where they came from to assist in the tool managers duties. Everyone will also be responsible for smart tool use to not put unnecessary wear or strain on the tools.