During the past summer, four Eagle Robotics members participated in a virtual manufacturing and engineering internship with Win-Tech, a local precision machine shop and Eagle Robotics Platinum Sponsor. Throughout the four weeks of the internship, these students engaged in a variety of manufacturing-related subjects and learned from professionals throughout the world. The internship culminated in a final project and presentation in which each student researched and presented a STEM topic of their choosing to a panel of judges. Eric, Grant, and Steven received top honors on their presentations with respective awards of Most Creative Solution, Best Use of Technology, and Most Engaging Presentation. After the internship, Grant Terry was contacted by one of the judges, who was interested in producing his proposed product design. He has been in contact with this professional, and they are currently working together to produce prototypes and eventually bring the product to market. Thank you, Win-Tech, for this incredible opportunity!

On September 12th, the Georgia FIRST teams gathered virtually to kick-start the exciting new season. The highly-anticipated event included many informational sessions for all levels of FIRST, some of which were taught by Eagle Robotics team members. The highlight of the event came at noon when the FIRST Tech Challenge Ultimate Goal game was revealed!

At Kickoff, team members Steven Baker and Samuel Haygood taught a class on Blocks Programming. Through this class, they were able to explain the basics of coding. Grant Terry also had the opportunity to partner with Curtis Volin, a FIRST Tech Challenge coach, to teach an Introduction to CAD class. This session allowed Eagle Robotics to reach fellow robotics teams as they begin the season. Finally, Sarah McCune had the opportunity to teach a class on Business Plans and Budgeting for FTC, along with a session regarding effective ways to utilize social media. She hopes that these sessions will continue to positively impact the teams in attendance. 

Since kickoff, Team 7373 has analyzed the game in great detail to create a strategy for scoring this season. Using this strategy, the team began brainstorming designs. They developed ideas for the robot that the team has now started prototyping and testing. Throughout this process, the team members collectively created a detailed schedule that outlines the tasks that they need to complete in the days leading up to the first meet.

Since the season began at Kickoff, Team 11364 has worked diligently to design each system of the robot in preparation for Meet 1. As they practice, the team members have set their sights on the ability to pick up and shoot discs during competition. Each day, Team 11364 is working hard to improve their skills in every aspect of robotics.

Last season, Team 7373 and 11364 were strong competitors in the Skystone game. Team 7373 ended the season as a World Championship qualifier through their success as the winner of the Inspire Award and Captain of the Winning Alliance at the State Championship. In addition to this, Team 11364 was able to compete at the State Championship and close out the season as a division finalist in the robot game. This season, the teams are excited to be back. They hope to become a more competitive program, reaching more people and advancing further than ever before. 

The first meet of the season for Eagle Robotics will be held on Saturday, October 24th. This inaugural event marks the beginning of the FIRST Tech Challenge Ultimate Goal season. Teams 7373 and 11364 are looking forward to the start of robot competition!

From September 28th to October 1st, Eagle Robotics, in collaboration with Checkmate Robotics, will host a virtual fall STEM festival. Each day, a new challenge will be presented to a group of students. Through this event, the teams hope to teach each student in attendance about STEM in a fun and interactive way! 

Miss an update? All newsletters for the 2020-21 season are archived here​