Welcome to MMS Robotics
We are 902 Green Energy Robotics. We work to design Vex competition robots that can play this year's game, Vex Tower Takeover. Six teams, each with their own robots, are part of 902 Robotics: 902 E, X, A, C, D, and B. In total, we have about fifty members. We are located at Mansfield Middle School (MMS) in Mansfield, Connecticut.
​
Green Energy Robotics
About Robotics
In Green Energy Robotics, students are on a team with roughly nine other roboticicists. Most students are one or more of the following roles.
A robot is nothing without a program. Someone needs to create the program to tell the robot what to do. Programmers code not just what the robot does when the driver moves the controller, but also what it does during the autonomous period, when the robot has to score as many points as possible from a program without instruction from the driver.
PROGRAMMER
Simply building a robot wouldn't work; a design is needed. Although everyone on the team figures out how to overcome all kind of problems, engineers are the main ones coming up with how the robot will be put together and the way to approach different aspects of the game.
ENGINEER
BUILDER
BUILDER
Although a good design is very important, that design has to be built by someone. Builders not only build what is in the design, but also troubleshoot problems with the design. If the team builds something and it doesn't work, builders often figure out what is going wrong and how to fix it, then implement the solution. Additionally, when something the team has built is no longer needed, builders take it apart so the team can then use the parts.
Recording what the team does in an engineering journal is an extremely important job on a team. This is necessary for multiple reasons: at tournaments, a team is judged based on their engineering journal, which can qualify for multiple awards, and also so that the team knows exactly what needs to happen the next time they work on the robot. The recorder(s) write down what the team did in a day and what needs to happen next.
RECORDER
At tournaments, it is vital for teams to have one or more scouts. Scouts gather information about other teams by watching their matches and by talking to said teams. Scouts also will make friends with other teams, which can increase the chances of advancing to the championship rounds. Scouts can also talk to alliance partners before a match to work out a winning strategy, which can legitimately win or lose a match.
SCOUT
Although a good design is very important, that design has to be built by someone. Builders not only build what is in the design, but also troubleshoot problems with the design. If the team builds something and it doesn't work, builders often figure out what is going wrong and how to fix it, then implement the solution. Additionally, when something the team has built is no longer needed, builders take it apart so the team can then use the parts.
BUILDER
If you are interested in joining robotics, it is usually easier to wait until the beginning of a school year, but you can join mid-season. At the beginning of the school year, you can go to Mr. Perkins' room (room 111) and get a permission slip and information packet, and if you want to join mid-season, you can ask him to print out a form for you.
21st Century Learning
Robotics builds teamwork, problem solving, engineering, mathematics, and technology skills. These are the skills students need to get into good colleges and succeed in their careers. In the past 13 years of MMS Robotics, more than half of our roboticists have gone into a robotics-related field in college.
Robotics-related careers include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, architecture, computer science, and computer programming. Robotics prepares students to pursue these careers by helping them develop a variety of critical skills.
Engineering
Being able to design something is an extremely valuable skill. Students learn this by having to engineer a robot that will accomplish the challenges proposed by the game.
Teamwork
Teamwork is a necessary skill for any career, but particularly one in engineering. Roboticists frequently have to work with colleagues to design or test something. ​
Problem Solving
Problems need to be solved in any job, be it a dispute between colleagues, a marketing issue, or anything else. This is one of the most important skills needed in the workplace.
Mathematics
During the programming and engineering process, kids have to calculate lots of things, including the circumference of wheels, the swing of arms, and so much more.
Technology
Robotics requires the latest in technology, and technology is one thing that will be extremely important in the future, and that people need to learn today.
~ Alan Kay
The best way to predict the future is to invent it
About Us
The 902 Green Energy Robotics team focuses on innovation and helping the community. We are constantly coming up with innovative new techniques on how to overcome different engineering challenges, on and off the field. We provide resources to the public as well as ensuring sustainability by using green practices.
​
Here you can find information about our team, resources for use by other robotics teams (scouting sheets, team records, etc.), parent resources, and more. Your can contact us at grnnrg902@gmail.com, or at the contact form at the bottom of the page.
​
Our mentors, Mr. and Mrs. Perkins, learn how to be successful in the engineering, building, and programming processes by teaching rather than just doing.
Going Green
Alongside building robots, we try to be as environmentally friendly as possible. We use group transit to tournaments, and run our robots and laptops off of solar energy.
We purchased a portable battery that is charged by two solar panels kindly donated by Sunlight Solar, and we can bring this battery to tournaments, as well as supply a green power source for the public if town power goes out in a storm.
