Known for livening up Town Meetings by piloting their robot into twirls across the grass and foam ring launches that leave students cheering, the Sage Hill Robotics Club is an academic team open to all students interested in engineering or STEM-related fields.
The team uses its preseason to prepare for upcoming events. In the first week of November, the team plans to participate in the Beach Blitz, a preseason tournament that simulates last year’s challenge of picking up and tossing rings into a designated target. Presented by the Gene Haas Foundation, Beach Blitz allies Sage Hill’s Robotics team with two randomly assigned schools. Teams controlling three robots compete against one another.
“One of the best parts of robotics that is unique to the competition aspect is [how] it mirrors what real-world engineering looks like,” senior Robotics Co-Captain Kevin Peng said.
The Robotics Club has six different teams: mechanical, electrical, outreach, business, design, and software. They began the school year by determining leadership roles, setting goals for the year, and hosting training sessions for new members
Once the team receives the competition prompt, all members are open to pitch ideas on how to approach the challenge. The design team uses a computer-aided design (CAD) to create a 3D model of the robot, simulating all movements and materials that would be incorporated into the final project.
Next, the mechanical and electrical team manufactures the parts of the robot from raw materials through laser cutting, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine use, and general manufacturing with power tools such as drills, a miter saw, or bandsaw. After this, they assemble the parts to construct vision, motor, and battery operation systems. With construction completed, the software team ensures that all subsystems are functioning and codes a program that allows the robot to remain autonomous for 15 seconds during the competition. During this process, the business and outreach teams manage budget, equipment, and plans for the upcoming year.
Robotics team members find more meaning within the club than just the competitive aspect.
“My favorite part of the team is the people,” senior Mechanical Lead Tony Tan said. “In robotics, we are one massive family. I’ve found my second home here.”
Faculty Advisor and Physics teacher Beril Tekin mirrored this sentiment.
“My students are my favorite part of the Robotics team. I get the chance to know them better as people, beyond just the classroom experience,” Tekin said.
Business Lead Derek Zuo also noted that the team grows from the unexpected problems they encounter.
“During the competition, we expect things to go wrong,” Derek said. “For us, it is all about how we are able to handle those situations in real life and persevere through those challenges, staying together as a team.”
Electrical Lead Danny Al-Ali said she wants to leave a lasting impact on the team by building a stable foundation for the years to come.
