The FIRST Robotics Competition is an international high school robotics competition organized by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Each year, teams of high school students compete to build robots weighing up to 120 pounds (54 kg), that can play in a game, which requires robots to complete tasks such as scoring balls into goals, frisbees into goals, inner tubes onto racks, hanging on bars, balancing robots on balance beams, etc. The game changes every year, keeping the excitement fresh and giving each team a more level playing field. While teams are given a standard set of parts, they are also allowed a budget and encouraged to buy or make specialized parts as long as they conform to FIRST rules. Game details are revealed at the beginning of January and the teams are given six weeks to construct a competitive robot, that can operate autonomously as well as when guided by wireless controls, to accomplish the game’s tasks.
The goal of the Royal Oak Robotics Teams remains the same as FIRST’s: transforming the culture in ways that will inspire greater levels of respect and honor for Science and Technology, as well 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 strive to apply these goals every time we meet.
Every season we begin with the OCCRA competition running from early fall through January. We then compete in the FRC league. Kicking off in early January and running through April FRC is height of competitive robotics and Royal Oak has been a competitive force for over 10 years.
Using the fundamentals of computer programing, computer aided design, fabrication, and mechanical engineering Royal Oak designs and fabricates two robots per year from scratch. Although this takes considerable funds we have been able to constantly achieve highly competitive robots thanks to generous contributions from our sponsors.