Meet the Team

Design is something of the keystone sub-team in robot-making. Often, there will be work done closely with shop and programming and electrical- a lot more communication than what'd be between other sub-teams. Design is responsible for creating a plan/roadmap for how manufacturing is to put together all the different pieces of the robot, and very much even what those pieces are going to be. Design is tasked with the "blueprints", in a sense. Imagine you have a box of Legos. While shop would be the ones putting the Legos together, the design sub-team is responsible for the instruction pamphlet to begin with- as well as what pieces you're even working with.

Programming is the sub team responsible for the controls of the robot. We take the brain (Electrical) and bones (Fab) of the robot and give it intelligence. We communicate with the design and electrical team in advance and code as much of the robot as we can before the robot is finished. Once the robot is finished we take over and start testing the robot, looking for issues in both our code and our design so that they can be fixed before our competitions. During competitions we continue to fix problematic code, make new and improved autos, and sometimes write new code to make up for unfixable physical breaks.

he Shop subteam is responsible for all of the machining, fabrication, and assembly that goes into making a functional robot. Shop collaborates closely with Design to ensure manufacturability of custom parts and assemblies, conduct rapid prototyping in the early stages of the engineering and design process, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise during robot construction and testing. At competitions, Shop students are an integral part of our pit crew, and they are prepared to handle the numerous unexpected mechanical failures that may occur during a match. Although the engineering of the robot is not the primary focus of the Shop subteam, the hands-on nature of their work and their collaboration with other subteams prepares students well for a future in design and manufacturing.

Electrical is responsible for the “nervous system” of the robot, making sure that all motors and sensors have sufficient power and communication to the robot’s main computer. Typically the last step in fabrication, they work closely with all other subteams to make room for wiring and having the correct setup for programmers. Outside of the robot, they make the OI, or operator interface, which controls the robot while driving.

The Scouting Subteam collects and analyzes data during competitions to help the team develop match strategy and select alliance partners. Members observe matches, record robot performance, and communicate important insights to the drive team. Scouts also conduct pit scouting to learn about other teams’ robots and capabilities. This subteam helps students build skills in teamwork, communication, and data analysis while playing an important role in the team’s competitive success.

Business, Operations, and Marketing subteams set the tone for all of Skunk Works, ensuring the team runs smoothly and presents itself professionally throughout the year. 

Business is responsible for securing and retaining sponsor relationships, delivering business presentations, and partnering with the booster club to manage team finances and budgeting. 

Operations keeps the team organized and on track by managing itineraries and team logistics, compiling awards submissions and documentation binders, coordinating outreach initiatives, tracking deadlines, and supporting other team needs. 

Marketing creates the team's identity and public presence through graphic design, social media management, photography, videography, and by creating promotional materials, so Skunk Works can have a recognizable brand.