The Hamilton Preparatory School Phoenix Robotics Team has earned a coveted spot at the Regional FIRST Robotics Competition after an impressive performance at the qualifier event, where they placed 3rd out of 24 teams. This marks the team's consecutive regional qualification and continues their streak of competitive excellence.
## Qualifying Competition Success
At the District Qualifier held at Central High School, the 18-member Phoenix Robotics Team (Team #4285) competed with their robot "Firebird Mark VII" in a series of challenging matches. The competition required robots to complete complex tasks including:
- Collecting and sorting colored game pieces
- Navigating an obstacle course with precision
- Climbing and balancing on elevated platforms
- Scoring points through autonomous and teleoperated modes
The Phoenix team won 8 of their 10 qualifying matches, demonstrating consistent performance and strategic gameplay. They secured the Engineering Excellence Award for their comprehensive design documentation and innovative mechanical solutions.
## The Robot: Firebird Mark VII
The team spent four months designing, building, and programming their competition robot. Key features include:
- **Custom-designed gripper mechanism** capable of handling multiple game piece types
- **Swerve drive system** providing omnidirectional movement for enhanced maneuverability
- **Computer vision system** for autonomous targeting and navigation
- **Modular design** allowing quick repairs and adjustments between matches
- **Lightweight aluminum frame** optimized for speed and stability
The robot weighs 118 pounds and stands 4 feet tall when fully extended. Programming Lead Marcus Chen (Grade 11) developed the autonomous routines in Java, while Mechanical Lead Sarah Thompson (Grade 12) engineered the innovative lifting mechanism that became a key competitive advantage.
## Team Members and Roles
The Phoenix Robotics Team includes students from grades 9-12, each contributing specialized skills:
**Leadership Team:**
- Team Captain: Sarah Thompson (Grade 12)
- Co-Captain: Marcus Chen (Grade 11)
- Programming Lead: Alex Rodriguez (Grade 10)
- Mechanical Lead: Kevin O'Brien (Grade 11)
- Electrical Lead: Priya Desai (Grade 10)
- Strategy Lead: Jordan Kim (Grade 11)
**Core Team Members:** Emma Liu, David Foster, Isabella Martinez, Ryan Patel, Sophia Anderson, Tyler Washington, Maria Santos, James Park, Aisha Mohammed, Lucas Chen, Emily Davis, Jasmine Williams
**Faculty Advisors:** Computer Science Teacher Ms. Priya Patel and Physics Teacher Mr. Anthony Russo
**Mentors:** Software engineer Mr. Robert Hayes from TechCorp (Hamilton Preparatory School alumnus) and mechanical engineer Dr. Linda Foster from Anderson Architecture Firm
## The Build Season Journey
The team's success is the result of dedicated effort during the intense build season:
- **400+ hours** of work time logged by team members
- **Six-week build period** following the release of game challenge rules
- **Weekly 15-hour commitment** during build season (after school and weekends)
- **Three complete robot iterations** before finalizing the competition design
- **Extensive testing and refinement** including 50+ hours of driver practice
"This robot represents our best engineering work yet," said Team Captain Sarah Thompson. "Every team member contributed crucial skills - from CAD design to programming to strategic planning. The collaboration and problem-solving skills we developed will serve us well beyond robotics."
## Competition Highlights
Notable moments from the qualifying event:
- Perfect autonomous routine execution in 7 of 10 matches, earning maximum bonus points
- Strategic alliance partnerships that led to three playoff victories
- Quick field repairs when a motor failed mid-match, getting back in competition within 10 minutes
- Sportsmanship recognition for helping opposing team fix electrical issues between matches
The team also won the **Gracious Professionalism Award** for assisting three other teams with technical challenges and sharing programming code to help newer teams succeed.
## Regional Competition Preparation
The Regional Competition will be held at State University Arena, bringing together 48 top teams from across the state. The Phoenix team is preparing through:
- **Robot improvements:** Upgrading motors and refining autonomous programming based on qualifier performance
- **Strategy analysis:** Studying regional competitors and developing alliance strategies
- **Driver training:** Additional 30 hours of practice for drive team members
- **Pit crew preparation:** Organizing tools, spare parts, and repair procedures
- **Presentation polish:** Refining engineering notebook and chairman's award submission
## STEM Skills Development
Robotics team participation provides invaluable learning experiences:
- **Mechanical Engineering:** CAD design, machining, prototyping, stress analysis
- **Electrical Engineering:** Circuit design, wiring, sensor integration, power management
- **Computer Programming:** Java programming, computer vision, algorithm development
- **Project Management:** Timeline management, task coordination, resource allocation
- **Teamwork and Communication:** Collaboration across disciplines, presentations to judges
- **Problem-Solving:** Creative solutions to complex technical challenges
Team members credit their robotics experience with influencing college and career plans. Seven graduating seniors from last year's team are pursuing engineering degrees at universities including MIT, Georgia Tech, and Purdue.
## Community Support
The Phoenix Robotics Team is grateful for community support making their program possible:
- **TechCorp Software:** $15,000 annual sponsorship, mentorship, equipment donations
- **Anderson Architecture Firm:** Fabrication facility access, engineering mentorship
- **Parent Association:** $8,000 funding support and volunteer assistance
- **Local machine shop:** Discounted materials and manufacturing support
The team also fundraises through car washes, bake sales, and an annual robotics demonstration night that raised $5,000 this year.
## Looking Ahead to Regionals
The Regional Competition represents the culmination of months of hard work. The Phoenix team will compete against 47 other qualified teams over three days of intense competition. Top teams advance to the State Championship and potentially the World Championship in Houston.
"Our students have poured their hearts into this robot and this season," said Faculty Advisor Ms. Patel. "Regardless of outcomes, they've already achieved so much through the skills they've developed, friendships they've formed, and challenges they've overcome. We're incredibly proud of this team."
The Phoenix Robotics Team departs for regionals in two weeks. The school community is invited to watch the competition livestream and show support for our student engineers.
## Join the Team
Students interested in joining robotics can attend information sessions at the beginning of the school year. No prior experience is necessary - the team teaches all necessary skills. Positions are available in mechanical design, programming, electrical systems, strategy, marketing, and business operations.
The dedication and enthusiasm of the Phoenix Robotics Team exemplifies the spirit of STEM education at Hamilton Preparatory School, inspiring younger students to explore engineering and technology fields.