Robotics Competition: Outreach and Robot Knowledge

• Anyone at the competition require general knowledge of the robot's aspects (mechanical, programming, wiring, strategy).
• If you lack in-depth knowledge, provide a general overview and direct the inquiry to a team member with expertise.
• It is beneficial to memorize main ideas, which can help with gaining awards.
• Explore the one-pagers and binders on Canva, and ask for access if needed.

In-Person Outreach

• SAMA (2023 and 2024) includes business lineup at the San Antonio Manufacturing Association.
• Showcase a robot and custom mini-car.
• The team got on the news (Kens5).
• Gained new sponsors like Franks Manufacturing, San Antonio Powder Coating.
• NISD Tech Expo was rebooted after COVID, inspiring kids of FIRST and STEAM across hundreds of NISD schools.
• Elementary Demonstrations include demonstrations of FTC and FRC robots to inspire kids through FIRST:
• Steubing Demo
• Hatchett Demo had similar demonstrations.
• Scobee Ring of Fire demonstrated the FRC Robot with interactive play during the Solar Eclipse.
• There are workshops for FTC, FRC, and mentors.
• There is an open shop that allows anyone to borrow, use, or learn at the shop anytime.
• Actively mentor teams include Camber 9658, Perseverance 9444, and Roboraiders 3561.
• Hosting FTC League Events is something to explain with common sense.

Online Outreach

• YAGSL (Yet Another Generic Swerve Library) is a global initiative.
• Plug-and-play swerve library to help teams transition into a more competitive playstyle.
• YAGSL is used by 400+ teams in 14 countries across 6 continents (excluding Antarctica).
• There are over 10,000 views on YouTube tutorials.
• Resource Bank includes material on everything FTC and FRC.
• It is being translated into Spanish, French, Hindi, Mandarin, and others.
• This includes help from team 9658 Camber and 5829 Awtybots.
• Texas Scouting Alliance is a collaboration of 15+ teams in Texas to share scouting data.
• FRC Locks use a Blue Alliance powered website to give easily accessible data on rankings during matches.
• Reworked in site to handle high-traffic load.
• Project TRANSLATE includes translating YAGSL and all presentations into Spanish.
• The Resource Bank is being translated into 7+ languages to reduce access barriers.
• Project YALL (Yet Another Limelight Library) is currently in beta-testing.

Social Media

• FIRST Official has an Instagram account.
• 130,000 views just on Instagram since kickoff (Jan. 4) as of March 11th.
• 130k+ views since 1/4/2025, 43k+ accounts since 1/4/25 (as of 3/11/25).
• Powered by Chief Delphi, Open Alliance has 2k+ thread views.

Blackout Battle Royale (BOBR)

• BOBR is an off-season glow-in-the-dark FTC event that hosts teams across the Southern US.
• This event is a fundraiser.
• FIRST spreads from this open event for the audience.

San Antonio Pipeline

• Kinder to University FIRST Pipeline.
• There are over 90 FLL Programs across all of NISD.
• These FLL programs branch into FTC Programs throughout Middle and High Schools.
• Demonstrating robots is a way to spread FIRST and keep team numbers stable.
• Food Fest for financial sustainability and spreading FIRST.
• There is a 100% Graduation Rate, with 98% going into STEAM Fields like MIT, Stanford, Rice, UT Austin, and Purdue.

Sponsors

• Rev
• NI
• Ryobi
• San Antonio Powder Coating makes robot aesthetic.
• Frank Manufacturing provides all CNC, HDPE plastic.
• DOD STEM
• Eureka Sheet Metal
• Alamo Prints Inc.
• Texas Workforce Commission
• Valero
• Boeing
• Argosy Foundation

Mechanical Subsystems

• Coral Arm
• Wrist attached
• Differential Gear system
• NEO Vortx powers intake/outtake
• Connected to Elevator
• LasercaN Sensor
  • L1-L4
• Algae Arm
• Spring Loaded
• Connected to Elevator
• NEO Vortx powers intake/outtake
• LasercaN Sensor
• Score Net and Processor
• Inverted Elevator
• Swerve Drive (powered by YAGSL)
• Climber
• Powered by two 81:1 NEOS

Programming Subsystems

• Encoders are used throughout every subsystem, measuring rotation and movement.
• Readings are used to program the robot efficiently.
• Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) is used to fine-tune robot movements.
• Swerve Drive is powered by YAGSL.
• Path Planner is a plug-and-play for autonomous.
• April Tags are used to map out a real-time positioning on the field.

Projects (Overview)

• Project W.A.L.K. (World-Wide Aspirations for Learning and Knowledge) includes:
• YAGSL
• Providing Resources such as Resource Bank, YouTube Videos, etc.
• Social Media
• Project S.O.A.R. (STEAM Opportunities And Robotics) includes:
• FRC Outreach, FTC Outreach, Demos, BOBR, Mentoring
• Project C.L.O.S.E. (Community, Leadership, Outreach, Service, and Excellence) includes:
• Advocacy for:
• Rainbow STEM Alliance (RSA)
• Neurodivergent of FIRST (NODF)
• Disabled People of FIRST (DPOF)
• Students FIRST
• m.e. FIRST
• FIRST Like a Girl
• Sustainability and Pipeline