Design is where everything starts. When FIRST announces its annual game in January, our students come together to brainstorm and develop unique concepts and prototypes to tackle the challenge. After the initial prototyping phase, the design team breaks down the proposed robot into sub-sections and drafts them using CAD (computer-aided design). Our team primarily uses Fusion 360 for this purpose. Design team members learn valuable, career-ready skills in the field of CAD, preparing them for a successful future in engineering.

The software department brings our robot to life, transforming it from a mere assembly of metal and parts into a dynamic, operable machine. Working seamlessly with the design, drive, and strategy sub-teams, software students set and achieve performance goals for the robot. Their goals typically span three critical areas: essential functions, autonomous mode, and teleoperated controls.

Essential functions include managing the drive base, fine-tuning PID controls, and programming various subsystems like intakes, shooters, and climb mechanisms. Autonomous mode involves curating 15-second programs where the robot completes tasks independent of driver input. Students meticulously craft multiple PathPlanner routes, optimize them for precision and speed, and utilize vision sensors to allow the robot to dynamically respond to its environment. When it’s time for the drivers to take control, the software team also ensures that all functions are mapped ergonomically to the controller, while also integrating advanced driver-assist features like speed control and aim assist. The software team is also included in our "pit crew" during competitions. They are responsible for upholding systems checks and making real-time adjustments to keep the robot performing at its best.

Our fabrication team is essential to Uni-Rex's success year-round. During the competition season, students construct elements for a 54' by 27' field, tailored to each year's game. These projects require a wide range of skills, from woodworking to metalworking, as well as the ability to read engineering blueprints. Once the season ends, students take on various unique projects. These are often requests from other school clubs, such as building cheerleading stands or theater props, or creating products for our team to sell at fundraising events.

No matter the task, students on the fabrication team learn safe and effective practices for using various tools. In woodworking, they learn to operate miter saws, band saws, table saws, belt sanders, and more. In metalworking, they have access to a brake, shear, mill, lathe, and multiple MIG welders, all under mentor supervision. Beyond technical skills, fabrication students also develop important soft skills. They are encouraged to lead projects, enhancing their leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Manufacturing is a crucial step in developing our robots. All parts of our competition robots are made in-house by students. The manufacturing team takes drawings from our design team and translates them into G-Code, which our students use to operate the CNC router. Once the parts are cut, they are inspected and deburred before being sent to the assembly team.

Our in-house manufacturing capability is critical to our team's success. Not only does it save us time, but it also provides our students with valuable, hands-on experience in manufacturing.

The assembly department is the final step in our robot's mechanical journey. Here, students build the robot according to its CAD using a mixture of manufactured and purchased parts. After assembling the robot, they handle all of the hardware and wiring.

But their work doesn't stop once the robot is built. Assembly students are also in charge of maintaining and repairing the robot throughout the season. Additionally, many of them go on to form our "pit crew," who repair and operate the robot throughout competitions.

Robots are just one part of our team’s full scope. The media department is a crucial component to Uni-Rex’s overall success. Students in media have a wide variety of roles, each of which aid in developing our team’s branding, social media presence, and fundraising efforts.

Some students serve as photographers and videographers, capturing our team’s journey in and out of the shop. Many of these students also work in video editing where they prepare photos/videos for public display and even develop long-form videos for our YouTube channel. We also have graphic designers who develop brand images, posters, and logos. Other responsibilities media students undertake include social media management, web development, and grant writing.

Uni-Rex is more than just a competitive robotics team. Our primary goal is to empower students to explore engineering, no matter their background. We strive to increase accessibility to STEM opportunities and demystify engineering as a career through our extensive outreach program.

Our Impact team is the leading force behind these efforts. These students coordinate robot demonstrations, workshops, volunteer events, and much more with the goal of raising STEM awareness in our local communities. Some of our Impact team’s principal programs include, but are not limited to, the Sanger LEGO program, elementary school visits, farmers market outreach, and the WAMS Career Day.

Students on the Impact team also participate in the FIRST Impact Award competition at FRC events. The Impact Award is the most prestigious honor offered by FIRST, celebrating a team who has transformed their community for the better with an emphasis on STEM education and accessibility. Our competing Impact students develop an essay, video, and speech to share how our team meets that criteria.