At URSA Major, our robot is the heart of our FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) journey. Designed, built, and programmed entirely by our student-led team from Galena High School, each robot we create reflects our passion for innovation, engineering, and problem-solving. Every season, we take on the challenge of crafting a new robot tailored to the unique tasks of the FTC game, pushing the boundaries of mechanical design and coding expertise.
2024-2025 Season: Into The Deep
For the "Into The Deep" challenge, our robot is engineered to navigate an underwater-themed field, performing tasks such as collecting samples, scoring goals, and executing precise autonomous routines. Key features include:
Custom Drivetrain: A robust mecanum wheel system for omnidirectional movement, odometry wheels, allowing precise navigation on the competition field.
Custom Arm: A multi-jointed arm with a gripping mechanism to handle game elements efficiently.
Advanced Sensor Suite: Equipped with various sensors and Axon Servos for accurate autonomous navigation and real-time decision-making.
Software Stack: Coded in Java using the FTC and PedroPathing ITD SDK, with sophisticated algorithms for path planning and task prioritization.
Our robot's performance in the 2024-2025 season has been stellar, contributing to various 1st-place finishes at multiple Northern Nevada League Meets and a new state record at the NV Northern League Tournament on February 8, 2025. Watch our robot in action and the state record here:
Our Design Process
Building our robot is a collaborative effort that begins with brainstorming and prototyping. We follow a rigorous engineering design process:
Game Analysis: We study the FTC game rules to identify key tasks and scoring opportunities.
Prototyping: We create multiple prototypes for critical mechanisms, testing them for reliability and efficiency.
CAD Design: Using Fusion 360 and Onshape, we design the robot's chassis and components, ensuring precision and modularity.
Fabrication: Our team fabricates parts using tools like 3D printers, CNC machines, and hand tools, all within our school’s STEM lab and outside services.
Programming: We develop autonomous and tele-operated code, iterating through testing to optimize performance.
Testing and Iteration: We conduct extensive testing, refining mechanisms and code to ensure reliability under competition conditions.
This process, honed through several years of FTC participation, allows us to create a robot that is both competitive and a testament to our team's ingenuity.