Mechanical

The mechanical team designs and builds the robot. Every year’s game is different, so it requires the mechanical team to plan out how we will fit our plan within the specifications designated by FIRST. The mechanical group will also build a prototype if time permits it. Using all the tools at our disposal, they build the most efficient robot that they can that will do what we want it to do.

Electrical

The electrical team is in charge of wiring all of the components of the robot so that it will run. One example of electrical’s duties includes wiring the wheels up to the motors. Electrical also makes the electro-aquarium, which houses all the electronic equipment, making for neat and tidy robot.

 

Programming

The programming team writes software that controls the robot in the teleoperated and autonomous periods. Every year we have to program the robot to follow the strategy that we have chosen. We use the software developer’s suitcase to test our code separately from the robot. The code is split up into multiple pieces and each member of the programming team writes one or more pieces each in order to work efficiently.

Pit

Each year the team reviews the safety rules and retrains everyone on the power tools to ensure that they are used correctly. The Pit Boss and Safety captain put together lists of all the things that the build team would possibly need in an emergency on the way to a match, or just in general in the pits. While the team is at matches they clean up and make sure that all things are put back where they need to be. The pit boss more specifically is in charge of talking to the judges and making sure that they get the answers that they need in a respectful and dignified manner. The safety captain is there to politely remind the students that safety is important even if they don’t think that there is time to be safe.

Drive Team

The purpose of the Drive Team is to control and drive the robot around the field during competitions. The Drive Team is made up of multiple roles: the Drivers, Human Players and Team Mentors/Advisers. Any of the students may try out for the Drive Team once they are eligible. Eligibility consists of 100 hours of build and 24 hours of community outreach. On top of that, there is a test that must be taken to insure you have studied the game rules and various safety regulations.

Video Production

Every year, we work on a video to put on WinTV for an advertisement to get the word out about the Connecticut Regional and the WPI Regional. The public can come for free to cheer on the team or just enjoy the spirit of FIRST. We also create a DVD to send to our sponsors so that they can see what goes on during competition and build season. Not only that, but we have also produced a tour of the radio museum to represent all the hours and time that was put in there as community outreach over the summer. Last season, a montage was created for the banquet at the end of the season to show the parents what goes on during the year.

Web Team

The Website Subgroup builds and maintains the team’s website. Every week, it is updated with new team events, photos and other content, so people can know what is going on with Team Paragon. In 2008, web started fresh with a new mentor, who then could not continue due to other obligations. In 2009 web got another new mentor, Richard Saunders, who is still affiliated with the team. Then in 2010, halfway into the build season, we were introduced to John Waveris, who took the web team under his wing under such short notice and helped the website become what it is today. (*may need to change*)

Imagery

The Imagery subgroup of Team Paragon is responsible for presenting the team to the outside world and to create the team’s image, which we are well known for. In doing so, we design the team shirts as well as incorporate the team logo into as many aspects of robotics as we possibly can. In addition, the Imagery subgroup is responsible for personifying the robot as much as possible and presenting the robot’s image. However, this extraordinary group of youth does not stop there! The Imagery subgroup also leads the creation of awards that are given to other FIRST Robotics teams at the various regionals the team attends. Furthermore, the Imagery subgroup greatly helps in the portrayal of Team Paragon’s image at such regionals mentioned above. This includes boosting the team’s overall spirit as well as gracious professionalism, on and off the playing field, which is an important aspect of FIRST Robotics.

Administration

Our Administration maintains an expansive list of team members and sponsors in order to keep them involved with our ongoing activities or upcoming events. The team handbook is issued to each student so that there is somewhat of an order kept in the chaos of the six weeks of build season. All of the purchasing done such as supplies for the robot or team t-shirts is sent through the administration team. With all the purchasing that goes on during the year we are very thankful that we have such generous sponsors to keep the team running. The Administration team also coordinates parents or mentors to provide food to the site so that the team can work for a longer periods of time.