Our team is building a robot that moves around a competition arena and operates mechanisms to complete scoring tasks. I focus on the system that moves the robot, plus mechanisms to knock over targets and raise a flag.
The Fall 2026 project uses a “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme. Teams build robots to compete in 40-second rounds on a shared arena. Each robot starts on an outer platform and enters a play area with targets, objects to collect, and a central structure with a flagpole.
The pirate names describe physical engineering tasks. “Mermaids” are targets to displace or topple. “Run up the Flag” means lifting a magnetic flag onto the central pole and keeping it attached until the round ends.
Other scoring tasks involve coins, jewels, cannonballs, and a chest. My work focuses on movement and the two tasks below.
My contribution spans the drivetrain—the components that turn motor output into robot movement—and the mechanisms for two scoring tasks.
Purpose: Move the robot through the arena and position it for the scoring tasks.
My work: I designed and tested the drivetrain, focusing on optimization and fabrication. Building and testing the physical system lets me evaluate how the design behaves before making further changes.
Purpose: Displace the mermaid-shaped targets from their starting positions. The rules award more points when a target is completely toppled or tilted at least 45 degrees.
My work: I focused on the mechanism for this task, alongside my drivetrain work. The robot must reach the target and make contact with it to score.
Purpose: Lift a flag to the central pole and attach it magnetically. Scoring depends on its final height, and the flag must stay attached until the round ends.
My work: I focused on the flag-raising task mechanism. This task connects robot positioning with the mechanical challenge of lifting and placing the flag.
These photos show the team's first iteration during fabrication and assembly. They document an early build rather than the finished competition robot.
The project is ongoing. My work so far includes drivetrain design and testing, fabrication, and development of the mermaid and flag task mechanisms. Measured drivetrain performance, task success rates, and competition results will be added as they are documented.
Discuss my work →