2008 overdrive

Overdrive was a racetrack game, with the goal to complete counterclockwise laps around a central barrier while manipulating 40" diameter "trackballs" over and under overpasses to score points.
    This was a 'speed' game of how many laps you could complete, yet you had to be agile in the corners, turning 180 degrees and then hit full speed in the straightaway. 

    Team 1218 created our first truly engineered robot with a custom chassis design. We used "guerilla engineering", creating a clever design with significant autonomous programming built in. Our robot employed a second set of wheels at 45 degrees that used gyro sensors to drop down for the tight turns and then automatically retract when finished.  ​

The design also used a catapult and winch system to fling the balls. The design awards speak to the creativity and execution of the engineering work.
    Our hard work earned us trips to the quarterfinals at two regional events as well as a ticket to the FIRST World Championship. While we enjoyed the trip, we did not make it out of qualifying matches.