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01-15-2024 | Issue 1 | Volume 1

The 2024 season is finally here and recently Crescendo was released globally to all FIRST robotics teams. This game brings a musical twist to the competition; robots navigate the field, aiming to pick up and shoot orange foam rings, known as "notes," into various field elements like the speaker and the amp. The highlight of the game involves a climbing structure called “the stage”, where robots ascend on a chain in the last 30 seconds of the match. The climbing structure features a trap door, providing an opportunity for notes to be scored during the climb. Adding a fun touch, human players can also toss a special note, called the "high note," onto one of three microphones atop the stage.

2024 FIRST Robotics Competition CRESCENDO presented by Haas Game Animation

A robotics competition typically consists of qualification matches, where individual robots earn rankings through a set of randomized matches with 6 robots in total (3 on the red alliance and 3 on the blue alliance). A robotics match starts with autonomous mode for the first 15 seconds, with robots operating independently from their human operators. The remaining 2 minutes and 15 seconds are teleoperated, allowing human control. After qualifications, the top 8 robots engage in alliance selections, forming teams of three for the finals. The finals include a double elimination bracket, with winners advancing and losers moving to a loser bracket. The ultimate face-off occurs in a best-out-of-3 set of matches between the winners of the winner and loser brackets, concluding the competition with a crowned winner and finalist, with the winner receiving a blue banner, trophy, and plaque.

Kettering University Event #1

February 29th to March 2nd
Flint, MI, USA

Durham College Event

March 15th to March 17th
Oshawa, ON, Canada

Macomb Community College Event

March 28th to March 30th
Sterling Heights, MI, USA

Picking up the note.

Prototyping plays a pivotal role in our robot development. A prototype is a preliminary version of a product or system that is often created during the early stages of a products life. This can be

used to identify potential issues, gather insights, and refine the concept before moving on to the final production. It plays a crucial role in the design process, helping teams make informed decisions and improvements on a product. During this season's prototyping phase, one of the aspects we focused on was picking up the notes from the ground because of the value of having efficient autonomous operations. A well-designed mechanism for picking up fallen game pieces could significantly contribute to scoring points. Additionally, the ability to recover these foam rings will strategically position us ahead of the competition. The prototyping process will help us ensure reliable robot solutions, enhance our overall strategic gameplay, and optimize our performance. Shown in the video above, we started testing with a couple sets of compliant wheels to interact with the note. Using some drills with adaptors, we were able to simulate how this prototype intake would function with competition motors attached. When tossing the note into the intake, we found that it was constantly picking up the note with not difficulty at all however, it would throw the note any way it felt. Moving forward, we plan on refining this action, allowing us to constantly intake the note and have it land in the same spot over and over again.

My name is Harper Vangel, I’m in 8th grade and I’m going into my second year involved in FIRST. I played soccer for a while but I wanted to experience something different so I joined robotics! I love the business and management side of the team, and I am the team’s safety captain. I am also active in student council, marching band, and jazz band. I plan on pursuing a career in journalism, political science or law upon graduation.

My name is Charleah Whipple, I am a senior and have been apart of Strike Zone for 3 years. I joined because my friend convinced me to come to a couple meetings and I fell in love with robotics right when I walked into the room. Through robotics, I have sharpened my critical thinking and leadership skills. I'm also involved in the FIRST in Michigan Youth Advisory Council where I currently sit as vice president. My post-graduation plans include majoring in interior design at Lawrence Technological University.

My name is Trent Thompson, I'm in 11th grade and I have been on the team on for 3 years. I was recommended to join Strike Zone by my previous FTC team coach. Since joining, I have refined my programming and public speaking skills. A little fun fact about me is that I have three pets; Blossom, Pickles and Mace. As for post-graduation plans, I will be studying programming at an undecided trade school.

Leaving great opportunities open for all community students, regardless of financial standings, is at the core of Strike Zone’s foundation. With that being said, students and mentors are not expected to directly financially contribute to the team. One hundred percent of the funds come from the team’s partners and generous donations from the community.

Wish List

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