By: Timothy Chhor

Photo taken by Timothy Chhor Robotics Glass Display Case

Walking back and forth in front of the cafeteria, you can stop and see a new glass cabinet filled with awards and memorabilia from the competitions and team activities of one team at St. Augustine. Their story is outlined in this article.

The two shirts represent the two Robotics teams. The Grade 10s and 11s form 19447 and the Grade 11s and 12s form 19446. Although 19447 and 19446 may compete against each other, but will work together to prepare. “‘Coopertition’, cooperation and competition,” is their mentor, Mr. Fabroa’s description of the spirit of the competition. “Even though you’re competing with the other team, you want each team to be their best.” 

Mr. Fabroa described the many facets of both of the teams in an interview. “It all kind of functions like a little corporation, with people on the technical side and people on the business side, but they all kind of fit together to form what a team should be.” 

The designers/builders on each team are in charge of building the robots. Based on challenges they receive in September, both teams work through the engineering process to solve them. This involves knowledge of CAD, programming, engineering and planning. 

The FSO, which stands for fundraising, sponsorship and outreach, does exactly what their name suggests. The team can’t get building materials without money, making fundraising and sponsorships incredibly important. Outreach is helping the team to have an impact on the community. 

The communications team is the part of the teams that manages social media accounts and the teams’ public image. They coordinate with the design/build team on an engineering portfolio and a presentation for judges at the competition on the team, outreach activities and robot design. 

The promo team is for those not able to dedicate the time to the rigorous schedule the Robotics team demands, but still wish to contribute in some manner. They are currently working with Drama Production to build an automated clock.

Alexander, a member of the Robotics team, “wanted to join because of an interest in technology”, as well as “to make new friends during the COVID years.” However, what kept him there were the connections. “Robotics feels like family,” he said.

Logan Chan was interested in meeting people. “Joining the robotics team gave me a chance to truly meet with others who shared the same interests as me,” he said. As for why he stayed, he replied, “Team Titan Robotics is the first team where I can truly feel a strong sense of comradery and that those around me care for one another,” 

After the meticulous planning and designing, it was time for their competition, which was not without challenges. “There were many missing functions of the robots on both teams, [but] everyone worked hard, some even until 4 a.m. in the morning, shoutout to Gordon,” said Gian, another member of the Robotics lineup. Thanks to the hard work of the team, the obstacles were overcome. 19446 and 19447 both qualified for the provincial competition and performed extremely well in all aspects.

“They won’t have to operate in the normal high pressure, high stress environment because they’ve already qualified. Their sights are set on the provincials championship, which is going to be in Kingston,” said Mr. Fabroa.

In late May to early June, the Robotics team will have skill workshops, where people will come and learn about building, designing and coding a robot. They will begin accepting applications for next year’s season, so that they can, as Mr. Fabroa said, “hit the ground running” next year. To the teaching staff of St. Augustine, Mr. Fabroa said, “we’re also on the lookout for additional mentors, especially ones that can lend expertise on the business or technical side, build or program.”

Mr. Fabroa’s explanation of the team, that it functions like a corporation, like a real engineering firm, was spot on. If you spoke to members of the Robotics team, you could not help but feel impressed by how professional and experienced they are. If you’re looking to make memories while getting a taste of the world of engineering and business, attend those workshops at the end of the school year and apply to join.

Works Cited

Bangayan, Gian Kendrick. Interview. Conducted by Timothy Chhor. December 8th, 2023

Chan, Logan. Interview. Conducted by Timothy Chhor. December 8th, 2023

Fabroa, Eric. Interview. Conducted by Timothy Chhor December 13th, 2023

He, Alexander. Interview. Conducted by Timothy Chhor. December 8th, 2023

“About FIRST.” FIRST, 7 Nov. 2023, www.firstinspires.org/about/. Accessed 13 Dec. 2023.

“Home Page | FIRST LEGO League.” Firstlegoleague.org, 2023, www.firstlegoleague.org/. Accessed 12 Dec. 2023.