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Build Season - Week 3

The third week of the build season has been a whirlwind of activity for every department of Charge Robotics! Our team is hard at work prototyping subsystems and writing code to meet our competition goals. Here's a look at what each department has accomplished:

Design

After countless hours in CAD, the Design team has completed the elevator and chassis subsystems. The elevator system is a game-changer, incorporating a coral intake system capable of reaching four reef levels, which will save valuable time during matches. However, the team is reworking the robot's hanging mechanism, having decided to pivot from the tow truck design and explore new options for deep hanging.

Fabrication

The Fabrication team is ready to start building as soon as the Design plans are finalized. In the meantime, they are tackling smaller components, like preparing the robot's bumpers and gearboxes.

Software

The Software team is wrapping up code for the elevator system and has implemented a library to streamline coding processes, making their work more efficient. They’ve also made significant progress on coding for robot motors and begun transitioning their systems for the 2025 season.

Business

Our Business department has been busy boosting revenue and cutting costs. They're selling Valentine’s Day keychains for $6 each and have negotiated a cost reduction on Chick-fil-A sandwiches for the FIRST Lego League (FLL) Qualifier concessions in February.

Branding and Marketing

The Branding and Marketing team is juggling several projects:

  • Preparing handouts for Marlton Elementary’s STEM Night.
  • Creating weekly recap videos and submissions for the Impact Award.
  • Designing T-shirts, buttons, and additional materials for next weekend’s FLL Qualifier.

Outreach

Charge Robotics engaged with young minds during Marlton Elementary School’s STEM Night, showcasing our robot and letting students take it for a spin. Activity packets invited families to our upcoming FLL Qualifier and provided a glimpse into the excitement of robotics competitions.  These opportunities for students to see and experience robotics have been the stepping stones that ignited the passion for STEM in many of our team members.

In addition, our team has raised over $150 in just one week to support victims of the LA Wildfires.

As we continue into Week 4, Charge Robotics is driven by teamwork, creativity, and determination. Stay tuned for more updates!

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