steve

in the zone (2017-18)

Robot name origin: “We should name our robot.” “What do you mean?” “Like… give it name like Steve or something idk.”

This was my very first step into robotics, where our goal was to make stacks of cones and deposit them in blocked-off corners of the playing field (here’s the official video with a more complete explanation).
This season was when I first learned to fully appreciate the engineering design process as my team and I tested designed, prototyped, validated, and documented numerous designs. Through constant reiteration and improvement, we finally had a primary design for our robot: Steve.

Left: Steve's starting configuration. Right: Steve making a stack of cones during testing.

Main subsystems and specs:

  • 4-wheel 4-motor powertrain (for more defensive playing)
  • 2-motor base lift (holding the big red base cone in right image above)
    • Torque geared to have enough strength to steadily deposit tall cone stacks in the blocked-off zones, without tipping the whole stack over (yes, this has happened to me before)
  • 2-motor 3-section linkage (tall extension = tall stacks)
    • Also torque geared as the system was heavy
    • Used a triangle-shaped system of rubber bands to lessen the load on the motors. This would essentially pull two parallel bars of the linkage together, creating a force that pushed the system towards the extended direction.
  • 1-motor 1-section linkage (top part of extension, with claw attached)
    • Torque geared? You guessed it!
    • Rubberbands here, too! Helps quicker movement in middle of timed matches.
  • 1-motor claw (to grab cones)



Though nerve-wracking at first, I also grew to fully launch myself in the fast-paced, high-stakes, and super fun environment of competitions. Aside from designing, prototyping, validating, and documenting these designs and their software, I also was introduced to the fast-paced, high-stakes, and incredibly fun world of competing.

Left: Repairing Steve minutes before a semifinal match. Right: Awards won that season.

Though not every day was a win, my team and I definitely saw our hard work pay off. I was incredibly happy with everything I had learned, experienced, and achieved. I could only come back for another season, but aiming higher than before…