Robotics Groups
Every year, our team breaks into smaller groups that are assigned specific tasks. In the pre-season,
these groups help the Engineering Academy serve as a student-run business, with student organizing public
relations, media, uniforms, and the website. Once the robotics build season begins, students also work
in mechanical engineering, electrical, and programming groups. Many students are involved in more than
one of the business groups. Through these groups, students gain leadership experience, and skills in each
of these areas, including public speaking, coordination with suppliers, and financing.
Engineering Groups
Mechanical Engineering
The mechanical engineering students are broken up into smaller sub-groups, each of which designs a
specific system of the robot using the CAD program SolidWorks. The students then create part drawings,
and build the necessary components in our machine shop.
Electrical and Test Engineering
The electrical team is in charge of wiring the robot, and maintaining the motors and speed controllers.
They also build the operator interface board, with joysticks and buttons, for robot control. When a group needs
to run a test while designing or building, this group helps to facilitate that process.
Systems Engineering
The systems engineering group integrates all of the major components of the robot into a fluid system,
and creates a design for how these pieces will both fit together and stay together. After extensive designing in SolidWorks,
they build accessory pieces for the robot.
Programming
Students on the programming team program the robot in C++. After getting a basic structure laid
out for the robot, they work with the drivers in order to determine how best to control the robot and develop
each of its behavioral modes.
Business Groups
Computers
The Computers group manages all aspects of the program dependent on computers that are not the responsibility of other
groups. The group's main duty is to maintain and improve the website. The Computers group also assists the school in projects such as setting up
computer labs as necessary.
 Public Relations/Communications
Public Relations is in charge of communicating with outside companies and the general public. Their responsibilities include managing presentation schedules,
interacting with sponsors, and releasing information to the media.
Graphics
Graphics creates most of the digital graphics and designs related to Team 1717, including banners and headers. They also play a large role in creating and sustaining Team 1717's company identity.
Apparel
In the Apparel Department, the Apparel team finds out which items people would be willing to buy, researches their availability, sizes people (as needed), and orders the items based on wholesale prices and popularity.
History and Media
Students in the History/Documentation group take photographs and film throughout the year for the team website, and plan on creating both presentation videos and an end-of-year documentary to capture the 2009 season.
Finance and Fundraising
Our team could not run without the generous support of our sponsors, and this group of students makes
sure that all of our finances are in order throughout the season. They help with reimbursements, paperwork,
and keeping track of the cost of the robot every season.
Presentations
The presentations group is in charge of setting up, rehearsing, organizing, and pretty much every aspect of presentations. By giving presentations for schools and businesses the Engineering Academy is able to spread the word about the program and inform the community on our current accomplishments; presentations also are a useful way to get new sponsors or donors.
Writing
As the Engineering Academy seeks to expand, we are always looking for more sponsors and grant opportunities. This team of students is responsible for any of the written content concerning the Academy that is presented to public. Specifically, the writing team is responsible sponsor recognition letters, news releases, fliers, and grant proposals.
Interviews
The Academy Interviews Team is responsible for organizing the application and interview process for prospective Engineering Academy students from the local junior high schools at the end of the year. In addition, the Interview Team is also responsible for keeping all openings in the academy filled, and conducting the interview process again when a spot opens.
Human Resouces
The Human Resources Team is a group that oversees other teams. Human Resources not only takes attendance and settles any disputes among students, but also makes sure that the teams finish their projects on time.
Events
The events team is in charge of the logistics and coordination involved in events such as parent meetings, presentations, and so on.
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The presentations group is in charge of setting up, rehearsing, organizing, and pretty much every aspect of presentations. By giving presentations for schools and businesses the Engineering Academy is able to spread the word about the program and inform the community on our current accomplishments; presentations also are a useful way to get new sponsors or donors.
