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FIRST Robotics Team Update

We are officially one month into the FIRST Robotics Competition program. In early January, 14 local teens and as many mentors gathered at Vector Space to watch the live presentation of the 2025 season challenge: Reefscape. 

The Challenge

Played on a full-size basketball court, each match during a competition involves a total of six FRC teams from the Chesapeake District. In early matches three teams will be paired randomly to form an Alliance (either red or blue). Alliance teams work collaboratively to compete against another Alliance, attempting to score as many points as possible. In later matches, high scoring teams will be able to choose their Alliance partners to compete in the final matches of the event. At the end, three teams (one Alliance) will be crowned champions. 

The scoring is a complex combination of direct points, points that are unlocked after certain skills are accomplished, and additional points available for cooperation between alliances. The goal is to put coral (4" PVC tubes) onto the reef; remove algea (rubber playground balls) from the reef and deposit them into a processor or a barge; and finally to have your 130lb robot "climb" a cage, suspending itself off the floor at the end of the match. For the details about coral and algea point values, see the Reefscape Scoring cheat sheet here

The Robot

There are countless ways to approach this challenge. Team 10257 considered several robot configurations, eventually landing on a scissor lift with chute on top (to catch and distribute coral), and a pair of grabbing arms (affectionately called Wolverine claws) to pick up and distribute algea. The robot is split into components, each the focus area of one group of students and mentors.

Drivetrain is creating the chassis, and decided on holonomic drive system propelled by mecanum wheels.

Superstructure is tasked with the lift mechanism, creating an aluminum scissor lift.

R&D is working on the claws and the chute, ensuring that the robot can handle the algea and coral accurately.

Software is in charge of programming the robot, both during manual and autonomous driving periods. A specialized QR code called an April Tag is used in vision recognition.

Electrical is wiring the robot, also tasked with battery and cable management.

Subteams: in addition to these main robot building teams, additional subteam tasks include

  • Construction (building the field elements to practice)
  • Visual Communication (aesthetic of the robot and external communication)
  • Outreach (spreading STEM education locally and preparing for judging at events)
  • Project Management (budget, deadlines, logistics)
  • Historian (notekeeper, recording progress for competitions and for future years)

The Team

Each member of 10257 plays an important role on the team. Here are a few of the projects each student has been working on:

Braedon Watson - A member of the Drivetrain team, Braedon created the cardboard prototype for the chassis. His focus right now is the bumpers; he built a sample cross-section of the bumpber, tested various ways of applying the team number, and is now building the full set of bumpers. Earlier this season he used his welding skills to create the reef game piece.

Enoch Tan - Enoch has been the main CAD contributor on the Drivetrain team. He has moved from virtual to physical work this week, cutting and milling mounting plates for the motor in the machine shop. On his subteam, Outreach, Enoch is scheduling visits to elementary STEM programs, including FIRST Lego League and Maker Faire Lynchburg. 

Glorianna Breish - The third member of the Drivetrain team, Glorianna helped to lead the build of the kit-bot chassis, used for comparison and fabrication techniques. She has experimented with different fasteners for the frame and its parts, including rivet nuts. In her subteam, VisComm, she is researching aluminum anodization as an option for altering the robot appearance. Her focus this week is machining mounting holes for the chassis. 

Ian Gill - While techinically a member of R&D, Ian has taken the lead on building most of the field components. He has spent hours in the woodshop following plans meticulously to create accurate game pieces for the team to test the robot. He has also tackled the skill of machine sewing in order to create the barge net.

Caleb Brammer - Caleb has logged many hours on the metal lathe, turning each of the aluminum rods for the scissor lift. As a member of the VisComm team he is also a passionate advocate for naming the robot, with no shortage of math puns and creative ideas. His teammates have yet to decided on a name for the robot.

Rohan Prabu - Rohan tells us that "math is kind of [his] thing", and he has proven this strength to do calculations for the input and output mechanisms of the robot. He is now turning parts on the metal lathe, and as the Project Manager he is also keeping purchases, budget, and deadlines organized for the team.

Knox Savill - Knox is a member of the R&D team, who have been learning a lot about CNC tools. They have used the CNC plasma cutter and the CNC router to cut aluminum for the algea claws, as well as plastic for the coral chute. 

Henry Pratt - Henry is also on R&D, learning the ins and outs of CNC toolpaths, convertaing CAD drawings into CAM paths, and cutting different types of materials. Henry is also the team Historian, taking notes that will serve the team this year at competition and will also ensure the transfer of knowledge to future students of FRC Team 10257.

Bennett Eggleston - Bennett is on the Superstructure team, and has been creating impressive CAD models, tapping metal rods and milling slots in the machine shop, and 3D printing parts. In his role on the VisComm subteam, he has been working to create a team website and help to plan social media posts.

Skylin Ramirez - Skylin in on the Electrical team, whose first task was to layout all of the electronic components on a wooden prototype board to test the configuration. She has learned to use every crimping tool at our disposal to prepare all of the wires for the robot. As a member of the Outreach subteam, she is also scheduling social media posts and sharing photos of the team's progress.

Alec Stickle - As a member of the two-person Electrical team, Alec has been wiring components, testing motors and batteries, and is now working to attach the main components to the aluminum bellypan that will sit in the bottom of the robot. He is now working on designing and 3D printing custom mounts for the electrical components.

Josiah Martin - Josiah is a member of the Software team, working to program the robot. His focus has been on the computer vision subsystem to detect the April tags and control the robot's response. In his role on the Outreach team, Josiah crafted the team Communciations Plan which guides the Outreach and VisComm subteams in their messaging.

Benjamin Ziegler - One of Benjamin's contributions to the Software team has been to implementing a logging library to track the states of every component on the robot. He configured the hardware for the computer vision. He is also a member of the VisComm team.

Holden Hughes - Holden has taken the lead on programming the primary functions of the robot, such as actuating the motors. He recently configured the code for the 15 second Autonomous mode that happens at the start of the match. During this period the robot is not controlled remotely by a driver, but instead must perform all actions completely autonomously.

Welcoming new Board Members

Vector Space is pleased to welcome two new board members in January 2025. Swathi Prabhu and Alisha Meador have both worked with Vector Space as partners and advocates for several years. We are grateful for their commitment to join us on the board, as we continue to build a thriving makerspace! Learn more about each of our new board members below.

Swathi Prabhu currently works at Innovative Wireless Technologies, Inc as Director of Engineering. She has worked at IWT for over 20 years, designing and developing software for real-time simulation and mission-critical applications that have been deployed at hundreds of customer sites around the world.  Prior to joining IWT, Swathi worked at TRAX International where she was the lead software engineer for developing real-time training simulators for use in power plants. A Lynchburg resident for 25 years, Swathi is committed to fostering technology and education within the community. She currently serves on the board of Virginia Episcopal School and has previously held leadership roles on the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee for James River Day School. 
She has also volunteered as a FLL Robotics coach and as a coach for the Girls on the Run program for multiple years. Swathi is also a proud Vector Space parent, with her children having participated in numerous camps, sparking their interest in STEM and hands-on learning. 

 

Alisha Meador works in Economic Development for the City of Lynchburg, and also serves on the regional Workforce Development Board. A Midwest transplant, Alisha moved to Lynchburg in 2006 after attending college locally, and is now proud to call Lynchburg home. Alisha received a Bachelor's degree in Special Education and Psychology, and a Master's certification in Job Placement and Training. She has worked with Vector Space in a variety of capacities over the years, and is excited to be serving in this current role.

When she's not working, Alisha enjoys gardening, reading, random Saturday adventures, and supporting local businesses. You can often find her at the ballfields cheering on her two sons, or at a youth symphony concert, or monitoring copious amounts of screen time for said sons. Wherever she is, she is always planning her next big trip - usually to England.

 

Junior Maker Program

⭐️ Introducing the NEW Junior Maker Program ⭐️
With support from the The Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation, Vector Space is thrilled to announce a new effort to increase youth participation in maker activities. At each visit to a Vector Space Outreach Event (to include First Friday, Maker Faire Lynchburg, and Vector Space Robot Combat), youth will complete the available hands-on activity. Once five Outreach Event activities have been completed in a single calendar year, youth can notify staff that they are ready to take the Junior Maker Pledge! A commemorative wooden badge and certificate of achievement will be awarded to all youth that complete the program, and a new badge will be available each year. An updated list of Outreach Events is available here: vector-space.org/events

More about each Outreach Event:

  • First Friday | Every First Friday Vector Space opens its doors to the public with a Skill Share and Open House Tour. Volunteers will be on hand to give tours of the makerspace and guide you through the evening’s activity. First Friday is always free, family friendly and open to the public. Entry donations of $2 or more are welcome and appreciated. Tours and drop in activities are available from 5-8pm; no registration necessary.
  • Maker Faire Lynchburg | Lynchburg Maker Faire is an annual celebration of making at Randolph College, 2500 Rivermont Avenue in Lynchburg! Tied into Randolph’s amazing week-long SciFest event, Maker Faire is a celebration of those who make and those with an insatiable curiosity for the world. We are excited to show you the amazing projects, delightful products, and interactive learning activities the makers in our area have come up with. Join us on Sunday, March 30, 2025 for a day of making; 11am-4pm. For more details, visit: lynchburg.makerfaire.com
  • Vector Space Robot Combat | Hosted by Vector Space at Virginia Episcopal School each Fall, this is a smaller version of BattleBots. Competitors will battle their one and three pound bots in our 8' enclosed arena. Register online to compete with your robot, or attend to watch the competition. Prizes include tools, robot parts, Vector Space membership and more. There is no fee or registration required for spectators to attend and watch the battle! An activity book will be available for purchase to get credit toward the Junior Maker Program. Stay tuned for more information about our 2025 event on November 1.

Maker of the Month December 2024

Each month Vector Space staff are paying attention to what contributions members are making to the maker community whether it be through being a leader, making things, pushing themselves, volunteering or mentoring we are looking for exemplary members to recognize as The Maker of the Month. A Vector Space M.O.M, if you will, is someone who exemplifies great “makerism”. We define makerism as someone who is:

  • community oriented 

  • dedicated to self education and to helping others learn 

  • someone who makes things regularly and who is ready to battle the difficulties involved with making things!

Rules: 

  •   Individuals can receive the recognition once per year, repeat excellence is welcome! 

Our final Maker of the Month for 2024 is Judi Muir. Congrats Judi! Not only are you in the top seven door swipers of the year but you are great at making things picture perfect with paint around the space, a truly star powered volunteer!  You are incredibly dedicated to diversifying your learning and we are so happy for you to have found a passion for 3D printing!  You help make this a great makerspace and you are a blossoming maker! We can't wait to see where you go with your work this year!
 

FAQ for FRC

Thanks for your interest in the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition Team hosted by Vector Space. Below are frequently asked questions to help your family decide if FRC is a good fit for you.

  • Where can I learn more about the FIRST Robotics Competition?
  • What is Vector Space? 
    • Located at 2004 Memorial Avenue, Vector Space is a nonprofit community makerspace that fosters hands-on education for teens and adults. We offer tours on the First Friday of each month, 5-8pm if you’d like to see our 23,000 workshop. Read about our Educational Philosophy here: https://vector-space.org/files/edu_case_statement.pdf
       
  • I received a “Golden Ticket” (actually stainless steel). What does it mean?
    • Congratulations! A Golden Ticket is the equivalent of a teacher (or other respected adult) recommendation. Hold on to your ticket and enter the code on the back of the card on your application when prompted. Golden Tickets strengthen an application in the eyes of the Application Review Committee.
       
  • What is the timeline for joining the team?
    • Sept 19: Applications Open
    • Nov 3: Applications Due
    • Nov 22: Team Roster Announced
    • Dec 8: Payment + Student Commitment Due
    • Dec 18: Team Meet & Greet event at Vector Space
    • Jan 4: First Meeting
    • Build Season (Jan 4 - Feb 15)
      • Meetings Mon-Thurs 6-8:30pm
      • Meetings Saturday 10am-4pm
    • Competition Season (Feb 15 - March 29)
      • Meetings Mon-Wed 6-8:30pm 
      • Feb 28 - March 2: Travel to Competition in Richmond
      • March 21 - 23: Travel to Competition in Blacksburg
      • TBA: Additional travel depending on team performance during regular season (District Championship is April 3-6 in Maryland) 
    • Post Season (March 30 - January 2026)
      • March 30: First Outreach Event - Maker Faire Lynchburg at Randolph College
      • TBA: Additional Outreach Events throughout the year (3-5 total)
  • What is included in the $400 registration fee? Will there be additional costs?
    • Team registration includes the following:
      • 140+ hours of coached robotics
      • Team t-shirt
      • Travel to 2 regional competitions (travel and accommodations for team participants) 
    • Costs not included in the registration fee:
      • Meals during competition travel 
      • Additional travel expenses, pending team qualification for State or National competitions
      • What tools and skills will participants be learning?
         
  • There will be opportunities to learn the following:
  • CAD Design
  • Marketing
  • Project Management
  • Electrical
  • Leadership
  • Website/Social Media
  • Software
  • Fundraising
  • Field & Obstacle Construction
  • Mechanical
  • Outreach
  • Machining
  • 3D Printing
  • Welding
  • Prototyping
  • Laser cutting
  • Plasma cutting
  • And more!
  • What prior experience is expected from applicants?
    • While no prior experience is required, any projects that display curiosity and an interest in how things work will help a student’s application. Formal programs are great (camps, after school clubs, classroom projects), but they are not the only way to express an interest in engineering. Tinkering projects, inventions, creative builds, and sketchbooks are all great items to share with the Application Review Committee. And of course, prior experience at Vector Space or another workshop is highly valued. 
       
  • How will applicants be selected for the team?
    • We have selected a number of individuals in the community to serve on an Application Review Committee; this committee will do a blind assessment of FRC applications received. Identifying information will be removed from applications before the committee selects their top picks. Committee members include parents, educators, and professionals in our community. 
    • There will be a maximum of 15 students selected for the FRC team. To be eligible, all students must be in grades 9-12 (ages 14 to 18). Students from any area public, private, or home school are eligible. 
    • Strong applications will include a clear interest and passion for joining the team; prior experience in hands-on or engineering programs; creative students with unusual perspectives; self-driven students that have created independent projects; students with leadership skills; students with technical skills; students with soft skills such as public speaking, writing, and community outreach; and students that work well in a team setting. 
       
  • Do you need volunteers or mentors for the FRC team?
    • Yes! Mentors can let us know of their interest here: https://vector-space.org/frc-mentor-interest-form
    • If you’d like to help as a parent we will have opportunities for parent engagement throughout the year. Examples include providing snacks, planning team dinners, travel to competitions, help with outreach events, and more. 
       
  • How else can I support the team?
  • I have additional questions. Who should I contact?

FIRST Robotics

Lynchburg has a new high school robotics team!

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! APPLY HERE BEFORE THE NOV 1 DEADLINE.

This year Vector Space is partnering with local engineering, educational, and workforce partners to bring an amazing opportunity to teens: competition robotics! Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of STEM, FIRST® Robotics Competition (ages 14-18 / grades 9-12) teams use sophisticated technology to build and program industrial-sized robots to play an action-packed, alliance-based game on a themed field that changes every year. With guidance from mentors and sponsors, students learn engineering and problem-solving skills that they can apply to real-world situations today and in the future. Teams of students compete for awards, while they also create a team identity, raise funds, hone teamwork skills, and advance respect and appreciation for STEM within the local community.

Join us on Thursday, September 19 from 6:30-7:30pm in the E.C. Glass High School Cafeteria to meet FRC teams from around the state and learn more about Lynchburg's new team.

We'll have food, prizes, and robots for you to check out. Each teen that attends is eligible for our awesome door prizes:

  • 4 Pack of Tickets to Super Rad Arcade
  • FIRST Swag
  • DJI Mini 2 SE Fly More Combo Drone ($450 value!)

Parents are invited to attend as well, to learn more about the student commitment for FRC participation. Community partners will have information on additional STEM opportunities and careers.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! APPLY HERE BEFORE THE NOV 1 DEADLINE.

Annual Calendar of Events

In our ninth year Vector Space has reached a rythm with some of our programming. While there is always opportunity for a rogue project request (hello, prosthetic swim leg), we do have some reliable events that you can set your calendar to. Check out what's happening each month at Vector Space, both for members and the public. And, don't miss our monthly First Friday events, an Open House from 5-8pm each month hosted by volunteer members providing tours and a hands-on activity free for the public.

Find upcoming events listed individually here: vector-space.org/events

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