The Jesuit FRC Robotics Team competed in Amarillo from March 30th til April 2nd. After a disappointing showing at the previous event, the Rangers made an impressive comeback this tournament, placing 4th in the regional tournament and securing a spot in the state championship. The team worked tirelessly to identify and address the issues that had held them back in the last tournament in Waco.
Problems
Led by Joseph Amador ’23 and Sai Gujjarlapudi ’23, the team spent countless hours analyzing data, testing and tweaking their robot and practicing their driving skills. The hard work paid off at Amarillo, where the team swept the competition in the qualification matches, earning 4th place in the elimination stage.
“We knew we had to step up our game after our last tournament in Waco,” said Joseph. “We had difficulty picking up and holding cones and issues with our drive train at Waco. We adjusted the claw end effector by changing the mounting holes of our pneumatic air cylinder to increase the compression on the cones and increase friction. We then extended our elevator to reach the high cone-scoring position. Our drive base motors were overheating due to a slight issue in their initialization, which was resolved after debugging. With these changes, we saw immense improvements in cycle times and created an auto-balancing autonomous mode to score one cube high, exit the community zone, and auto-balance using Bang Bang control with the IMU. These changes made us a serious contender for the Amarillo tournament, where we qualified for state after making it far into elims.”
The Elimination Stage
In the elimination stage, the Jesuit FRC Robotics Team faced some of the toughest competition they had seen all season. The teams they were up against were experienced in the strategy and gameplay that is necessary to win in this competition. Despite the challenging circumstances, the Jesuit team remained focused and determined. They approached each match with a clear plan, using their extensive knowledge of their robot’s capabilities and their opponent’s weaknesses to gain an advantage. They communicated effectively with their alliance members, adjusting their strategies on the fly to adapt to changing circumstances and unforeseen challenges.
One of the keys to the team’s success was their exceptional driving skills. The team had spent countless hours practicing their driving, working to develop the speed, precision, and control necessary to execute complex maneuvers under pressure. Their dedication and hard work paid off during the elimination matches, where they made quick work of their opponents and secured their place in the top four. In addition to their driving skills, the team’s well-coordinated teamwork was also a critical factor in their success. Each member of the team had a specific role to play, and they worked seamlessly together to achieve their goals. They communicated clearly and effectively, supporting each other and making sure that everyone was on the same page. Overall, the Jesuit FRC Robotics Team’s performance in the elimination stage was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and skill. They faced some of the strongest competition they had seen all season, but they rose to the challenge and proved that they were a force to be reckoned with.
State Tournament
As they head to the state championship, the Jesuit FRC Robotics Team is focused on continuing its success and representing its school with pride. “We know the competition will be tough, but we’re confident in our abilities and the hard work we’ve put in,” said Sai. The team is grateful for the support of their coaches and families, and is looking forward to the challenge of competing at the state level.”
Stay tuned to the Roundup for more coverage on Robotics.
