🐾Hey, Timberwolf Techies! Welcome to the fifth edition of the Walpole Robotics Newsletter, your source for the latest updates on our pack's tech adventures. 🐺

Welcome to the heart of innovation, where our Timberwolf Techies are always on the move! In this newsletter, we're thrilled to invite you on our exciting journey through the realm of robotics. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect to find in our updates once a month from May-December and twice a month from January-April 👀👀👀:

- Upcoming Events 📆: Dive into our calendar of events and mark your calendars! From local -competitions to regional showcases, we'll keep you informed about where the Wolfpack will be prowling next.

- Robot Unveils 🤖: Get an exclusive first look at the newest additions to our mechanical menagerie. We'll share captivating images and behind-the-scenes stories of our robot builds in progress, showcasing the dedication and creativity of our team.

- CAD Picture Updates 💻: Ever wondered how our ideas come to life? Follow along as we provide glimpses into our Computer-Aided Design (CAD) process, revealing the intricate planning behind each robotic masterpiece.

- Team Updates 🔼: Meet the faces behind the bots! Learn more about our talented team members, their achievements, and the collaborative spirit that drives us forward.

- Supporting Our Mission 🤝: Discover how you can be a part of our journey. Whether it's through sponsorship, mentorship, or volunteering, there are countless ways to support our mission and empower the next generation of innovators.

- Robotic Assistance🔧🧰 : Need a helping hand at your event? Let us be your go-to robotics resource! Whether it's a community gathering, educational workshop, or corporate function, we're here to lend our expertise and showcase the power of technology.

So buckle up and prepare for an adventure like no other. The Walpole Robotics Newsletter is your ticket to the forefront of innovation, where every update brings us one step closer to shaping the future of technology together. Join us as we unleash the power of robotics and embark on a journey that promises excitement, inspiration, and endless possibilities! 🤖💻🐺🐾

The 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) season has officially commenced, and our teams are eager to tackle this year's exciting challenge: REEFSCAPE presented by Haas. This underwater-themed game tasks teams with designing and building robots capable of performing various tasks to restore and preserve coral reef ecosystems. Key objectives include collecting and placing "coral" game pieces, removing "algae" obstacles, and collaborating with alliance partners to achieve environmental restoration goals

Our Computer-Aided Design (CAD) team is off to a strong start, developing detailed models to guide our build process. These initial designs are crucial for visualizing our concepts and ensuring precision during construction. We are excited to share images of our first iterations below, showcasing the innovative approaches our teams are taking.

This season, we are proud to field two dedicated teams:

• PupCups (FRC 1119): This team is building their robot based on the REV Robotics system. REV Robotics is renowned for providing high-quality, modular components that facilitate rapid assembly and adaptability. Their systems offer a robust foundation, allowing teams to focus on strategic enhancements and customizations. Utilizing the REV ION Build System, the PupCups are constructing a robot designed to meet the specific challenges of the REEFSCAPE game.revrobotics.com
  
  

• Timberwolves (FRC 1153): Opting for a custom approach, the Timberwolves are designing their robot from the ground up. This involves advanced CAD modeling and custom fabrication to create a machine tailored specifically to the unique tasks presented by REEFSCAPE. Their bespoke design aims to address the game's objectives efficiently, leveraging innovative mechanisms and strategies developed in-house.
  
  

Both teams are diligently preparing for the upcoming competitions in mid March at the University of Rhode Island and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, investing significant time in strategy development, prototyping, and refining their designs. Their commitment to excellence and creativity is evident in the progress made thus far. We are eager to see their hard work come to fruition in the competitive arena.

Stay tuned for more updates as we advance through the season, and don't forget to check out the images of our initial designs below!

For a visual overview of the REEFSCAPE game, you can watch the official game animation below:

With the new game officially revealed, the PupCups (FRC 1119) have wasted no time diving headfirst into strategy, CAD, and prototyping. This season, the team is taking on the challenge with a three-part approach:

1. A ground algae collection mechanism to maximize low-level game efficiency
2. Scoring on three of four levels of the coral reef to remain competitive in the upper field
3. Potentially climbing on the deep cage level during the last few seconds of the match for extra points!
   
   

This strategic balance allows for versatility—excelling at both quick cycle times and high-scoring plays—a crucial advantage in the competition.

✨ Introducing… PHISH FOOD! 🐟🔥🍦

It’s time to unveil the PupCups’ 2025 competition robot: Phish Food!

Why the name? The team drew inspiration from the legendary Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor, Phish Food, known for its sweet, rich, and complex mix of ingredients—just like their robot! (But let’s be clear—this one won’t melt under pressure!)

Every PupCups robot has a personality, and Phish Food is shaping up to be fast, flexible, and fierce on the field. Whether it’s scooping up algae with precision or delivering coral to higher levels, Phish Food is designed to be a powerhouse of efficiency and adaptability.

💡 The PupCups' Design Approach

This year, the team is taking inspiration from REV Robotics’ structural system. REV’s extrusion-based framing, combined with their modular gearboxes and brushless motor technology, is helping streamline Phish Food’s design process.

Instead of reinventing the wheel, the PupCups are leveraging REV’s proven systems while adding their own custom touches, making the robot:

✅ Lightweight and strong – thanks to REV’s aluminum extrusion-based chassis
✅ Modular and adjustable – making iteration and modifications easier
✅ Powered by high-efficiency brushless motors – for speed and reliability
✅ Custom-engineered for this year’s challenges – with 3D-printed parts and specialized attachments

Huge shoutout to REV Robotics for their continued support of FRC teams! Their components have helped lower the barrier to high-performance robots, and the PupCups are taking full advantage.

📸 Check out the bottom of this newsletter for:
🔹 The first iterations of Phish Food’s CAD
🔹 The REV Robotics system that inspired our build

🚀 CAD Development & Freshmen Growth

From the start, this season has put our summer CAD lessons to the test—and the results are already paying off in a big way.

💡 Ryan Li has been leading the charge in CAD, ensuring that Phish Food is structurally sound and strategically optimized. Under his guidance, the team has rapidly iterated through multiple design concepts, fine-tuning mechanisms to improve performance.

But what’s even more exciting? Our freshmen are stepping up in a huge way! Thanks to the summer CAD training sessions, they’re already contributing custom 3D-printed parts, working on structural elements, and getting hands-on experience in designing for real-world competition.

In fact, some of the freshmen’s designs are so good that they might even make it onto the final competition robot! It’s an incredible testament to their hard work and the effectiveness of our training pipeline.

What’s Next?

🔹 Refining Phish Food’s design for optimal performance
🔹 Moving from CAD to physical prototyping and early testing
🔹 Further testing of the algae collection mechanism and coral placement system

With a strong design philosophy, growing engineering talent, and a clear vision, the PupCups are ready to make a splash in 2025! 🌊🐾

📸 Check out the CAD images below and the REV Robotics system that inspired Phish Food!

Stay tuned for more updates as we bring Phish Food to life! 🚀🐟🔥

While the PupCups have been making waves with Phish Food, the Timberwolves (FRC 1153) have been hard at work designing a fully capable, all-in-one powerhouse robot for the 2025 season. Their goal? Mastery over every major aspect of the game, ensuring their robot can adapt to any match scenario and maximize both scoring potential and strategic versatility.

🚀 The Timberwolves’ 2025 Robot: A Scoring Machine

This season’s game demands a balance of precision, speed, and adaptability, and the Timberwolves have built a robot designed to dominate all aspects of gameplay. Their current design features:

✅ Algae Intake & Shooter – This system both collects algae from the reef and fires it into the processor and barge using two powerful Kraken motors for rapid, high-torque shooting.

✅ Coral Intake & Outtake – The Timberwolves’ robot can intake and precisely place coral (PVC pipes) on three of four levels of the reef, with plans to reach level four soon.

✅ Single-Stage Elevator – A robust lifting mechanism allows for high reef scoring, extending just enough to maintain speed without sacrificing precision.

✅ Windmill-Style Intake Mechanism – One of the most innovative aspects of the Timberwolves' design is their windmill-like rotating intake system. This mechanism allows the robot to seamlessly switch between algae collection and coral manipulation without having to turn 180 degrees—cutting down cycle time and increasing scoring efficiency.

This efficiency-focused approach is what separates high-performing robots from the rest of the field, giving the Timberwolves an edge when it comes to maximizing points.

🔧 From CAD to Prototype: The Timberwolves' Engineering Team

Designing such a highly capable robot takes time, skill, and dedication. The three CAD leads behind this season’s robot are:

💡 Junior Zena Girhotra
💡 Senior Kyle Kelleher
💡 Senior Brendan Conover

Together, they’ve been pushing the team’s CAD work to new heights, carefully balancing structural strength, weight distribution, and mechanism integration to create a robot that is both mechanically efficient and strategically sound.

After weeks of design iteration, the prototype robot (aka Dogwater) is now complete—a major milestone for the Timberwolves! This prototype has already undergone extensive testing, helping the team refine mechanisms before committing to the final build. Find Dogwater's reveal video attatched at the bottom!

🤖 Bringing the Robot to Life: The Programming Team

Now that the mechanical portion is taking shape, it’s time for the programmers to bring it to life! The Timberwolves’ programming team, made up of:

👨‍💻 Dyuthi Prashant
👨‍💻 Hersh Mepani
👨‍💻 Mayank Shah
👨‍💻 Tanay Singh

…has been working hard on the robot’s subsystems, automation routines, and fine-tuned controls. Their focus right now is integrating autonomous scoring, refining the intake/shooter sequences, and ensuring quick response times during matches.

With the prototype fully built and the elevator portion of the final robot completed, the Timberwolves are now entering the final phase of construction. The next steps include:

🔹 Fully assembling the final competition robot
🔹 Fine-tuning the intake and shooting mechanisms
🔹 Refining autonomous routines for qualification matches

🏆 What’s Next?

The only thing missing? A name for this engineering marvel.

The Timberwolves are still deciding what to call their 2025 competition robot, and with such an ambitious build, it needs a name that truly captures its power, speed, and versatility. Stay tuned for the big reveal soon!

📸 Check out the bottom of this newsletter for:
🔹 Prototype robot images
🔹 Final CAD iterations
🔹 Current progress on the final competition robot

With a robust design, a dedicated CAD and programming team, and an eye for efficiency, the Timberwolves are ready to take the field in 2025. 🐺🔥

Scouting is a critical part of any FRC team, as it helps us analyze other teams' robots, strategies, and performance to make data-driven decisions during the competition. Our scouting team gathers detailed information to ensure our teams (1119 and 1153) have the best chance of success!

• Ri3D Scouting: We kicked off by diving into the exciting world of Ri3D scouting! We focused on robots built in just 3 days after the “Reefscape” game release. We also took notes while watching teams 1119 and 1153 build their robots, comparing them to the Ri3D bots and noting what stood out—what worked and what didn’t!

• Master Scouting Spreadsheet: Next up, we made major strides in our Master Scouting Spreadsheet! We gathered key info on every robot in our district, taking note of their autos, strategies, and collecting images. It’s all about building a detailed database for the season ahead! 📊

• QR Scout App Updates: Our QR Scout app got some fresh updates! We tweaked the configuration file with the latest code, uploaded it to the public app, and ran tests to ensure the data output was spot on. We also imported the file into GitHub to keep it secure for any future edits! 🔒📱

• Data Visualization with Tableau: The final touch was bringing the data into Tableau! We imported scouting info from the QR Scout app, updated the columns, and fine-tuned our graphs. These visuals are key to analyzing data for alliance selection, helping 1119 and 1153 make smarter decisions when it counts! 📈

🎮 2025 Drive Teams Announced! 🎮

With the competition season rapidly approaching, both FRC 1119 (PupCups) and FRC 1153 (Timberwolves) have officially selected their drive teams! These students will be responsible for controlling the robots during matches, making split-second decisions, and executing strategies under pressure. Their skill and coordination will be key to success on the field.

🐶 PupCups Drive Team (FRC 1119)

🔹 Driver: Kai Greer – Quick reflexes and precise control will make him a strong asset on the field.
🔹 Operator: Cole Howard – Handling mechanisms with precision to maximize scoring efficiency.
🔹 Human Player 1: Ryan Li – Strategically placing game elements and supporting the robot’s success at the University of Rhode Island Event!

🔹 Human Player 2: Ashley Cruz – Strategically placing game elements and supporting the robot’s success at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Event!
🔹 Technician: Jack McManus – One of two freshman on a drive team this year! He’ll be ensuring the robot is always in peak condition.

🐺 Timberwolves Drive Team (FRC 1153)

🔥 Driver: Brendan Conover – Three years of driving experience make him a field veteran, ready to navigate high-pressure matches.
🔥 Operator: Kyle Kelleher – Another three-year veteran, skilled at managing all subsystems for peak efficiency.
🔥 Human Player: Zena Girhotra – A crucial part of the strategy, ensuring the team capitalizes on every scoring opportunity.
🔥 Technician: Sandhya Moorthi – Keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

🏎️ Drive Practice Underway!

Both teams have already begun intensive drive practice sessions to ensure they are competition-ready.

📸 Check out the bottom of this newsletter for:
🔹 Drive practice videos – See our teams in action!
🔹 On-field strategy discussions
🔹 Behind-the-scenes moments from training

Links for Drive Practice Videos:

1153 Drive Practice

1119 Drive Practice

In March, a group of students from our STEM Academy will be visiting the Rolls-Royce Naval Facilities Incorporated for an exclusive tour of the facilities! This visit is part of an enriching experience that ties into their current assignments, providing real-world insight into the cutting-edge work happening in the world of naval engineering.

We want to extend a huge thank you to Rolls-Royce for offering us this incredible opportunity and to Erica Johnson, the Office Manager, who has been working closely with us to make this happen. Also, a big shoutout to David "Sully" Sullivan for facilitating this amazing connection between our team and Rolls-Royce.

During the tour, students will have the chance to explore advanced technologies in naval engineering, gain valuable insights into STEM careers, and see how these innovations contribute to sustainable and high-performance systems in the naval sector. We can’t wait to see what we’ll learn and bring back to our teams!

This visit is an amazing opportunity to inspire and educate our students while deepening their understanding of the STEM fields and the important role companies like Rolls-Royce play in shaping the future of technology. Stay tuned for pictures and updates from the visit!

On February 15, 2025, both our teams headed up to Merrimack High School in New Hampshire for the Week 0 event, hosted by Team 166, Chop Shop. It was a day packed with action, innovation, and some serious robot vibes!

Timberwolves (FRC 1153):

We came to show off our algae shooter, the only one at the event! Our team demonstrated some serious firepower with this unique piece of tech. Partnering up with Team 1058 (PVC Pirates) and Team 811 (The Wild Cards), we made a splash, and rotated our human players for some added excitement. After some intense matches, we made it all the way to Round 3 of the playoffs!

PupCups (FRC 1119):

The PupCups brought their A-game, partnering with Team 1729 (Team Inconceivable!) and Team 5459 (Ipswich TIGERS). Together, we fought hard and also made it to Round 3 of the playoffs, showing our strength and teamwork every step of the way!

Senior Shoutout:

It wasn’t just about robots – the seniors were also celebrated with personalized senior posters to honor their dedication and hard work over the years. You can check them out below!

Overall, Week 0 gave us an excellent sneak peek into the competition season, sharpening our skills and strategies for the challenges ahead. Bring on the rest of the season!

For a sneak peek of the action, check out the video from our qualification matches below:

We are thrilled to announce that Dyuthi Prashant and Zena Girhotra have been nominated for the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Dean's List Award for the 2025 season! This prestigious award honors students who exemplify leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to the values of FIRST.

Dyuthi Prashant:

Dyuthi has been an invaluable member of our team, consistently displaying versatility and leadership in various roles, both technical and mentorship-focused.

• Technical Expertise & Adaptability: Dyuthi excels in both programming and electrical, moving seamlessly between roles and offering valuable insight in both areas. Her technical skills are a huge asset to the team, and her adaptability ensures that no task goes unfulfilled.

• IMPACT Award Contributions: Dyuthi is pivotal in completing the IMPACT Award for our team. She dedicates herself to ensuring that we meet the requirements and highlight our outreach efforts in the community. Her meticulous work on this project is a testament to her commitment to the team’s success and its positive impact on the larger FIRST community.

• FLL Head Coach: Beyond her technical contributions, Dyuthi took on the role of head coach for our FIRST Lego League (FLL) team for two years. She mentored younger students, guiding them through the robot-building process and helping them grow as individuals and team members. Her leadership in FLL reflects her ability to lead, teach, and inspire the next generation of robotics enthusiasts.
  
  

Dyuthi’s dynamic involvement in multiple aspects of the team — from technical work to leadership — makes her a strong embodiment of the FIRST core values of Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition®. Her dedication to improving both the team and the community aligns perfectly with the Dean's List Award criteria.

Zena Girhotra:

Zena’s leadership, technical expertise, and deep commitment to FIRST make her a remarkable nominee for the Dean's List Award.

• Leadership & Team Impact: Zena is a natural leader who actively proposes and organizes team events like picnics and various team-building activities. She leads several robot subsystems, always striving to learn new tools and techniques. Zena encourages others by sharing her challenges and successes, helping everyone understand that failure is part of the learning process and motivating the team to keep pushing forward.

• Increasing Awareness of FIRST: Zena spends a significant amount of her time and energy on our monthly newsletter, WolfTech Monthly, which highlights the team’s accomplishments, outreach efforts, and events. She works tirelessly to ensure it’s up-to-date, well-organized, and engaging, giving the community a comprehensive view of the team's progress and goals. Through this, she keeps the local community informed and engaged with the team’s work, fostering a greater awareness of FIRST and robotics.

• STEM Expertise & Teaching: Zena has demonstrated remarkable technical skills, learning tools like drills, wrenches, and CAD to contribute to our robot’s design. She quickly became proficient in Onshape CAD and led the design of our elevator and algae manipulator systems. Zena also teaches the engineering design cycle to students, ensuring they understand the process and helping them grow as engineers. Her role in training and mentoring is crucial to the development of both new and experienced team members.
  
  

Zena’s leadership style is rooted in servant leadership — she creates an environment where everyone is empowered to contribute and succeed. She is passionate about building a team that is inclusive and supportive, and she is committed to ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

Looking Ahead:

Both Dyuthi and Zena have demonstrated exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to the values of FIRST. Their nominations for the Dean's List Award reflect their hard work, dedication, and outstanding contributions to robotics and their communities. We are excited to watch them continue to grow, knowing they will inspire future generations of students to get involved in STEM and FIRST.

Exciting news – we're now selling the Pup Subs designed by our talented freshmen and sophomores! These custom creations are a special part of our 2025 season, showcasing the creativity and hard work of our younger team members. Whether you're a fan of robotics or looking for a unique collectible, these Pup Subs are a must-have!

By purchasing these Pup Subs, you’ll be helping us raise funds for the team, ensuring that we can continue to build, compete, and grow our program. Every sale supports our ongoing efforts to provide more opportunities for our members, including new tools, parts, and outreach activities.

You can check out the design and order your very own Pup Sub 2025 Collectible on our Etsy page.

Don’t miss out on the chance to support the team and grab a piece of our season’s history while helping fund our future endeavors!

Click the link below to see a student made advertisement for the Pup Sub!

Etsy Pup Sub Advertisement

Our teams will be competing in three exciting events this spring! 🤖🎉 Come watch us in action, and cheer us on as we compete for top spots! 🏆🙌

New England District URI Event
March 13–15, 2025
📍 Location: Keaney Gym, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
⏰ Times: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (subject to change)
This event is part of the New England District, where teams earn District Ranking Points based on their performance and awards. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see top-tier robots and engineering in action! 🔧🤩
More Info

New England District WPI Event
March 21–23, 2025
📍 Location: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA
⏰ Times: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (subject to change)
Teams from across New England come together at WPI to showcase their robotics skills and compete for valuable district points. This event is sure to bring intense competition and innovation! 💡🔥
More Info

New England FIRST District Championship
April 2–5, 2025
📍 Location: Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield, MA
⏰ Times: All Day
The top teams from the region compete for the ultimate honor at this championship event. It’s a thrilling culmination of the season where we’ll see who advances to the next stage of the competition! 🏅💥
More Info

We hope to see you at these events to cheer us on and support our teams! 🙏🎉

At the start of this season, we had to say goodbye to one of our most dedicated mentors, Tom Kloucek. Tom made the difficult decision to move to California in January, and while we will greatly miss him, we want to take a moment to thank him for all the support he has provided our team over the years.

Tom’s expertise, especially in CAD, has been invaluable to us. His guidance and skillset have helped us achieve new levels of success, especially in building and refining our robots. He played an integral role in shaping our team’s development, and his impact will be felt for many seasons to come.

We wish Tom the best of luck in his new adventures in California. We hope he continues to inspire and mentor wherever he goes. Thank you, Tom, for everything you've done for us, and we know you’ll continue to do amazing things! 🌟🚀

Stay connected and get an inside look at our teams' activities, progress, and behind-the-scenes moments by following us on TikTok:

• Timberwolves (FRC 1153): While our page is still in the early stages, we're excited to share our upcoming projects and team highlights. Follow us at @timberwolves1153.

• PupCups (FRC 1119): Explore our journey, from build season to competitions, and see how we bring our robot to life. Follow us at @pupcups1119.

By following both teams, you'll get a comprehensive view of our robotics journey and see how each team approaches challenges and celebrates successes. Don't miss out on the action—join us on TikTok today!

In January 2025, we were thrilled to receive a generous $1,000 donation from the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation, which will help fund various initiatives within our robotics teams and educational outreach programs. This contribution is instrumental in helping us provide our students with the necessary resources to learn, innovate, and excel in STEM disciplines.

The Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation has a long history of supporting local organizations that make a positive impact on the community. Since its establishment in 2000, the Foundation has awarded over $15 million in grants to nonprofit organizations across a variety of sectors. Their focus on education, community development, healthcare, and arts organizations is a perfect match for our mission to provide students with hands-on STEM experiences. They have been a key supporter of organizations that promote youth development, arts initiatives, and innovative educational programs.

We are particularly grateful for their continued commitment to fostering opportunities for local students in the areas of STEM, and we look forward to utilizing their donation to enhance our robotics programs and broaden our educational outreach to students in Walpole and beyond.

This donation will help fund a variety of needs, from competition fees and materials to team-building activities and community outreach events. We believe that through their partnership, we will continue to make a lasting impact on our students and inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.

To learn more about the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation, visit their website: Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation.

Want to be featured in our newsletter for some publicity? Donate to the Walpole Robotics Foundation today by emailing walpolerobotics@gmail.com and learn more about sponsoring your local robotics team!

Would you like to donate to the Walpole Robotics Foundation? Or does your place of work provide grants to local student groups who nurture the future of STEM? Donate to our Venmo, @walpole-robotics-foundation and contact us at walpolerobotics@gmail.com to receive benefits based off of your donation amount. We accept and appreciate every donation given.

Remember, by investing in the Walpole Robotics Foundation, you invest in the future of STEM

Welcome to Walpole Robotics, home to esteemed teams such as the internationally recognized Team 1153 Timberwolves and Team 1119 Pup Cups, supported by a community of talented Lego League teams. We invite young minds, from fifth to twelfth grade, to embark on an enriching journey into the dynamic realm of robotics. Our array of programs encompass everything from FLL LEGO robotics teams to High School FRC teams, consistently putting Walpole at the forefront of the global STEM landscape. Join us as we empower the next generation of leaders in technology and engineering!