Subteams

SWAT 771 allows all team members to be actively involved throughout different aspects of the team from technical to non-technical fields. To efficiently achieve this, SWAT has created subteams with a specific area of focus in order to allow students to develop skills in their chosen field while immersing themselves in STEM. Each team is organized by a student lead, providing leadership opportunities and giving younger students inspiration from their community.

Technical

Mechanical and Design

This subteam focuses on the mechanical aspect of the FIRST Robotics Competition. The framework and function of the robot is built by the students in this subteam, while working closely with the programming and electrical teams. Students on this team learn to design a robot, how to build a robot using a variety of materials, and solving problems when challenges arise.

Programming

A robot can do little without its code. This subteam focuses on writing the code in Java, to bring the robot to life. The first fifteen seconds of FRC games are autonomous, meaning the robot must run solely on pre-programmed code. Starting with a blank LabVIEW program, students on this team learn how to code in Java, program sensors and persevere when errors occur.

Electrical

The responsibility of the electrical subteam is to ensure that the robot is wired to run, beginning with a basic electrical board. They work closely with the two technical sub-teams mentioned above, to ensure that all motors, speed controllers and sensors are working to perform the game challenges. The students on this subteam learn to trace electrical currents, read wiring diagrams and tie wired ends.

Non-Technical

Business

SWAT would be little without the work of their business team. From sourcing major sponsors to creating an award-winning business plan, the business team works closely with a mentor from the industry to constantly improve upon our entrepreneurial strategies. Students on this team learn how to fundraise, market the team and create financial statements.

Media

Team imagery is a big part of any team. The media team works closely with ‘The Girl With Wrench’ and includes her in our videos, posters and t-shirts. Promotional posters, team handouts, pit decorations and many other SWAT advertising materials are created by this subteam. The students in this subteam learn how to use graphic design programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, and they learn how to create aesthetically appealing designs to help promote ‘The Girl With Wrench’.

Awards & Outreach 

Foundational skills, such as planning, is one of the varying factors in which is the basis of this subteam. This subteam plans different outreach initiatives, such as the annual symposium, as well as SWATposium. SWATposium is one of the most important events in our team and it showcases the achievements and working in which SWAT 771 portrays.