Robotics combines multiple facets of engineering, programming, problem-solving, and many people associate it with excitement and innovation. The robotics industry is expansive and some see robots as the future of all technologies. There is the opportunity for optimization in anything from tedious household tasks to cognitively strenuous endeavors like surgery. The possibilities seem vast and future roboticists within high school classrooms have a chance to participate in the industry through their school’s robotics program.
AGHS’s Eagle Robotics Team is reaching a pivotal moment in their season, preparing to compile their robot into one drivable unit and face the challenges of competition.
“[The competition] wasn’t easy, but we got it done,” vice president Sam Jurcazak (‘26) said.
Last year, the school’s robotics team , placed 4th at the Ventura Regional and 8th at the Las Vegas Regional. During the build process, the team faced tight deadlines, and, during competition, the robot malfunctioned.
“We would’ve likely won without our intake malfunction,” president Alex Kaplan (‘26) said.
These obstacles provided the team with useful information that is being utilized this year, yet the team is still encountering similar struggles.
Deadlines are approaching, as the drive base for the robot must be completed this week. This crucial step signifies the compilation of the entire robot, and everyone’s work must come together cohesively.
“Making sure everyone is on the same page is important,” Jurcazak said. “[The build process is important to] make sure everything works when put together”
Robotics comprises many different subteams (programming, design, fabrication, public relations, strategy, and electrical). It’s at this time when all the teams have to come together for a unified vision for the robot.
“None of the subteams can start until the others are finished so we all rely on each other to get the robot done on time,” Treasurer and Head of Strategy Orion Schmidt (‘26) said.
The specific subteams allow students to hone in on a passion which ultimately helps them decide on a future in STEM.
“Being able to find solutions in programming is fun,” Kaplan said “It inspired me to become a programmer as a career.”
Schmidt follows a similar sentiment with robotics as it applies to their future career.
“Coming up with creative solutions and coming up with unique designs [is my favorite part of robotics],” Schmidt said
Ultimately, the team is working to finish their robot as they approach their competition. While this time is stressful, robotics students are excited about the finished product.
