Who?
Royal Oak Robotics represents all competitive and educational robotics teams in Royal Oak. Currently, there are teams at ROHS, ROMS, and all Royal Oak elementary schools. The high school team is Team 1188, The Ravens. Any student in good standing at their respective school is welcome to join our teams. We are always looking for excited students to join Royal Oak Robotics!
What?
The Royal Oak High School team and the Royal Oak Middle School teams compete in multiple robotics competitions each year around the state. The High School team competes in FIRST Robotics Competition, while the Middle School teams compete in FIRST Tech Challenge. Elementary teams participate/compete in FIRST Lego League Explore and FIRST Lego League Challenge.
FIRST is a youth robotics organization that promotes STEM education worldwide. More information can be found at www.firstinspires.org.
When?
Our schedule varies throughout the year, but 1188 meets almost every Wednesday evening from 6:00 PM — 9:00 PM. During the build seasons (January through March for High School and September through November for Middle School), we meet much more often, a minimum of 3 days a week.
Where?
Team 1188 meets at The Outpost, located at 205 W 2nd Street, Royal Oak, MI. For more information, visit team1188.org/facility.
Why?
- Learn and apply science, technology, engineering, and math knowledge by designing, building, and testing a working robot. No previous experience in these areas is needed!
- Improve your competitiveness for college admissions, scholarships, and STEM careers after graduation
- Develop teamwork and camaraderie in a fast-paced, high-energy, and competitive environment that prioritizes sportsmanship and cross-team collaboration
- Have fun!
Where to Start
The best way to get involved or find out more about the team is to send an email to coach@team1188.org or contact the Royal Oak Middle School or Royal Oak High School main office at any time. You’re also welcome to come by The Outpost on Wednesdays. We look forward to seeing you!
The Goal
Royal Oak Robotics Team’s goal is to transform culture in ways that will inspire greater levels of respect and honor for science and technology, as well as encourage more of today’s youth to become scientists, engineers, and technologists. The team strives toward gracious professionalism while creating an environment where students grow as individuals. We endeavor to apply these goals every time we meet.
FAQs
How much does it cost?
If students choose to participate in the FRC league, there is a Pay to Participate fee. In some cases, the fee is waived and should never be seen as a barrier to participation. We want all interested individuals to join and encourage you to reach out if you would like to know more!
Do the students design the robot?
In FRC, students help with the design heavily. They participate in design discussions and reviews, give valuable feedback, and often provide some of the best ideas. Having the expertise of seasoned coaches to drive the design means that students spend more time gaining valuable experience with a working system that actually stands a great chance of performing with excellence.
How many competitions each year?
For FRC, there are a minimum of two competitions with the possibilities of qualifying for States (Saginaw) and Worlds (Houston, TX). FTC varies, but will be at least one event. We also attend what are known as off-season events in the summer and fall.
How hands-on is FRC?
On 1188, students will choose to work on various sub-teams. Students can choose multiple sub-teams to participate in, including design and build, programming, scouting, strategy, and public relations. Out of these, design and build is the most hands-on.
You can expect as much hands-on experience as you want to have. Among other things, students will be using large metal-working machines such as air tools, drills, band saws, lathes, 3D printers, and CNC machines if they so choose.
What skills will my student learn?
Students receive as much introductory instruction in any skill they request help with and show commitment towards. It is not possible to learn everything in one season, but students who show commitment to areas of specific interest leave the team with a level of expertise that surpasses almost anyone in their peer group. Coaches do try to get each student exposed to as many skills as possible, but it is also up to the student to get themselves involved and stay active. All questions are encouraged, but “How can I help?” is most appreciated.
Does my student need to know math/engineering/electronics/programming?
It helps, but it is not necessary! We see students who may not necessarily have strength in a discipline like math or programming develop an interest just from the exposure and their observation of the practical application of those disciplines. Furthermore, middle school and high school are the best times to be introduced to math and science if one does not have a background in these subjects. We heartily encourage students who have a dedication to learning to join now – there is no better time to learn!
What are parents expected to do, minimally, to support the students?
Parents provide volunteer hours assisting the team, provide food and drink for Saturday sessions, help feed students, drive to competitions, and provide additional build support. Thank you parents, we couldn’t do it without you!
Is the team a team, or just a club?
All teams in Royal Oak Robotics are actual teams. We compete at high-intensity competitions that are every bit as noisy, competitive, and fun as traditional sports team competitions. This is an important consideration when deciding to join, as your teammates will be relying on you to fulfill the commitments you make to group success!
Is the team sponsored by ROPS?
We receive the support of Royal Oak High School and Royal Oak Middle School administrations, but are not given financial support.
How is the team funded?
We raise money and receive grants from the private sector. The major sponsors of the teams are General Motors, the Gene Haas Foundation, Bosch, the Michigan Engineering Zone (MEZ), TSTech, Astemo, INOAC, and the Michigan Department of Education. We thank our generous sponsors for investing in the community of Royal Oak and the future of leaders of STEM fields in Royal Oak Robotics!
How lenient are the attendance requirements?
While we do have high expectations for student attendance, we understand that making every meeting is not always realistic. Students should always put school, health, and family first, and then worry about robotics. However, we ask that students try to prioritize robotics—especially during build seasons—over other extracurricular activities. Our team members are usually very involved, and balancing robotics with other commitments is possible. As mentioned above, this is not a club, so please take the commitment seriously if you choose to join 1188.
Have you ever won?
Yes! In fact, we have more awards than almost any other type of team at Royal Oak High School in the last 15 years! We have won dozens of awards and multiple championships. We have even traveled to the World Championship several times. Our commitment, dedication, and teamwork make us an extraordinarily competitive team, and we have a lot of fun doing it. We hope you will join us!