STATE CHAMPS! RoboZone

RoboZone Podcast Episode 201 - the RoboJackets LOVE Colson Wheels

Episode Description - In this episode, I get the chance to talk with the Allison from FRC Team 3538 the RoboJackets. Allison provides some history of the team, her involvement and how the team's success comes from their ability to problem solve quickly. Allison also provides some input on how teams can improve their processes quickly through a concise problem solving process. Finally we discuss the upcoming season, how her team will approach the season and how much Allison LOVES Colson Wheels...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 200 - We are on AUTOPILOT

Video Link: https://youtube.com/live/r1L8Zb___6E Episode Description - In this episode, I get the chance to talk with the Leadership Team from Team 7762, the Autopilots. They provide some history of their team since forming the team in 2018. They provide some details on how Covid affected the team during its first couple of years in existence. Looking forward to the 2024 FRC competitive season they try to guess what the game might involve and the challenges that await all FRC teams in the up...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 199 - FTC Takes CENTERSTAGE

Video Link: https://youtu.be/7XSC2H2F6go Episode Description - In this episode, David Russell and Ed Wynne stop by to give us their FIRST Take on the CENTERSTAGE FTC Game for the 2023 competitive season. We break down the game, make some comparisons to past FRC games and start to see where teams might focus their efforts. This game is complex and challenging so we hope you enjoy this episode. Interview Panel: David Russell - Mentor, Iron Dams Ed Wynne - Programming Mentor, 3 Hartland Robot...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 198 - LTUs HUGE Scholarships and Admissions

Video Link: https://youtube.com/live/gVCKQCWWpXg Episode Description - In this episode, we speak to LTU's Executive Director of Admissions Jane Rohrback. Jane talks about all the scholarships that LTU provides to potential students to the university. From Sports scholarships to STEM and Robotics scholarships, LTU has a vast array of opportunities for students looking to find a university to attend. Kane provides some great advice for students, parents and even mentors when looking at the nex...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 197 - LTU Robofest Round Up

Video Link: https://youtube.com/live/CiwRshYrIg0 Episode Description - In this episode, we catch up and check in on the success of Lawernce Technological University's Robofest events that happened during the same time span as the FIRST FRC season. Shannan palonis, LTU's Robofest Coordinator, explains what happened during the series of events and what LTU is focused on for next years Robofest schedule! Interview Panel: Shannan Palonis - LTU Robofest Coordinator Erik Rosvold - Robofest Coach...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 196 - GRANTS-R-US!

Video Link: https://youtube.com/live/urEQmirOiHc Episode Description - In this episode, Jeff Parks form Error Code 404 stops by and discusses grants. He provides some in-depth detailed instructions on how you can find, apply for and possibly get awarded Grants for your team. Jeff, as the expert Grant writer, also details on some grants to avoid if you are new to grant writing. Every team could use more money so we hope this episode starts your grant writing journey! Interview Panel: Jeff Pa...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 195 - EVERYONE Wants to be a Non-Profit

Video Link: https://youtube.com/live/sH-ftw8SWJI Episode Description - In this episode, I discuss on how to create a 501.c3 Non-Profit Organization for your robotics team with Cheryl form the Twisted Angels. Cheryl and her robotics squad just completed this a couple years ago and has helped the Twisted Teams write grants and help get the funds they need each season. The links we reference in this episode are displayed for you below and for your use! Interview Panel: Cheryl Thornton - Head C...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 193 - MCS Champs Part 2 - ITS WILD!

Video Link: https://youtube.com/live/a5cwSNGeww0 Episode Description - In this episode, we interview the third member of the Winning Alliance (Team 6090 - Wayland Wildcats) from the FIRST in Michigan State Championships. Each panel member provides a small recap of each of their season, what MSC was like in the qualification matches and how their alliance was meant to become the champs! We get to hear from Mentors and Students including the Drive Coach and a Student Driver of the Wildcats! ...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 192 - MCS Champs Part 1 - Muscle Chickens

Video Link: https://youtube.com/live/xIkBQmlQ9x4 Episode Description - In this episode, we check in with two thirds of the WINNING Alliance from the Michigan State Championships. Each panel member provides a small recap of each of their seasons, what MSC was like in the qualification matches and how their alliance was meant to become the champs! We get to hear from both Drive Coaches and a Student Driver in this episode and how each position saw the game field and what it took to win the Sta...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 191 - States Here We Come

In this episode we check in with Jake Hawley from Team 7211 Hollywood! Jake provides us with a little history of Team Hololywood and how they have been lucky enough to make the FIRST in Michigan State Championships every year since he helped start the team. We collectively talk about what FOM State Championships are like and how teams should get ready for some intense robot action! We would like to thank ALL of the volunteers that help make States Chapionships a reality! Interview Panel: J...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 190 - Charged Up Optimism

Episode Description - In this episode we check in with three FIRST FRC Alumni from around the FIRST in Michigan area on how their teams have done thus far in the Charged Up Season! The panel discusses their experiences in FIRST and tells us what they bring to their teams from their days as students now that they have become mentors. We discuss the FIM State Championships and David, from the Twisted Devils, teaches us the Russell Shuffle! Interview Panel: Matthew Seifert - Team 4453 - https:/...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 189 - Charged Up Comp Week 3 - Check-in with ScoutRadioz

Episode Description - In this episode we continue with our favorite scouting app for Charged Up Scoutradioz! We ask how the season is going with our panel of interviewees and how they have used ScoutRadioz across their events thus far in the Charged Up Season! Interview Panel: Clint "Eric" Hawks - Scouting Mentor for Team 7166 Michael O'Connell - Scoutradioz Developer and Mentor for Team 102 Nirav Patel - Drive Coach for Team 102 Links mentioned in the recording: Scoutradioz Discord: https...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 188 - Charged Up Comp Week 2 in Review

Episode Description - In this episode our round table discussion revolves around the Charged Up Game and experiences from Comp Week 2. The interview panel provides some input on what they had learned, how the game is evolving and what the Meta might be in the weeks to come. Interview Panel: Jay Tembrink - Team 494/70 - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/494 Ben Shoemaker - Team 3655 - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/3655

RoboZone Podcast Episode 187 - Reflections on Charged Up Comp Week 1

Episode Description - In this episode our round table discussion revolves around the Charged Up Game and experiences from Comp Week 1 of the Charged Up season. The interview panel provides some input on what they had learned, how you can play defense on the swerve and other great pieces of advice going into your FIRST competition. This is an episode you may need a pen and paper for so enjoy the episode! Interview Panel: Ray Pratt - Team 2611 - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/2611 Don R...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 186 - Three Times a Charm with Scoutradioz

Episode Description - In this episode we continue with our 3rd in depth discussion on scouting for Charged Up and how Scoutradioz might be the scouting system you have been looking for and can implement in your scouting program leading up the the competitive weeks. The tag team crew from Team 102 talks takes us through an additional demo on the analytics of the application and how even alliance selection can be done while using Scoutradioz! There is a great deal lot of information packed int...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 185 - Lets Here It for the Referees and Inspectors!

Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with Martin Beeker a FRC Head Referee Alumni and current FRC Lead Robot Inspector Mark Kramarczyk. Martin and mark provide their recommendations on how teams should get ready for the upcoming competitive weeks for the Charged Up Season! They provide a summary of the activities that teams will perform and interact with both referees and inspectors during a event. WE would like to thank Martin and Mark for everything they do as volunteers in thei...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 184 - Scoutradioz Part Deux

Episode Description - In this episode we continue our discussion on scouting for Charged Up and how Scoutradioz might be the scouting system you have been looking for and can implement in your scouting program leading up the the competitive weeks. The tag team crew from Team 102 talks takes us through an additional demo on the analytics of the application and how even alliance selection can be done while using Scoutradioz! There is a great deal lot of information packed into this episode so p...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 183 - Supercharged Scouting with Scoutradioz

Episode Description - In this special episode I interview a a couple of FRC Alumni that are now mentoring their team and getting ready for the FRC Charged Up Season and at the same time creating one of the most robust and configurable scouting apps I have ever seen Scoutradioz! The tag team crew from Team 102 talks about the history of Scoutradioz, where to start from and how it can improve your teams scouting capabilities for any FRC Game! There is a lot of information packed into this episo...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 182 - Vision Makes It Better

Episode Description: In this special episode I interview a group of FRC Alumni that are now mentoring teams and getting ready for the FRC Charged Up Season but more importantly develop and have released PHOTOVISION for FRC teams to use on their robots! The round table crew talks about the history of PhotonVision, where to start from and how it can improve your robots capabilities for any FRC Game! There is a lot of information packed into this episode so please use the links below and start t...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 181 - ROBOFEST at LTU

Episode Description - In this special episode I interview the Director and Coordinator for Robofest at LTU. Christopher and Shannan provide not only the history of the program, which started in 1999, but how this year the festivities and competition will be back in person after the pandemic has subsided. Robofest's season has just started, and it is not too late to get this information out to our teams, friends and family members to see if there are students from 4th through 12th grades that...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 180 - Charged Up Build Week 3 - The Chassis is Moving Baby!

Episode Description - In this episode, our interview panel provides their reactions to the release of the Charged Up 2023 FRC Competitive season. We discuss in detail the Swerve chassis and its application for this year’s game. Defense will be a huge part of this game and the panel discusses how import defense will be! The panel also provides some input on where teams should focus their efforts for this week in the Charged-Up Season! Don’t forget to watch the video series that FIRST in Michig...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 179 - Charged Up Build Week 2 - Chassis, Swerve and Defense Oh My!

Episode Description - In this episode, our interview panel provides their reactions to the release of the Charged Up 2023 FRC Competitive season. The panel discusses how teams should be focusing their efforts for Week 2. We discuss in detail the Swerve chassis and its application for this years game. We also discuss how defense will be the exciting figure 8 demolition derby in the middle of the field for excitement in the stands. Interview Panel: John Wolfert Chris Purdy - Team 3534 - htt...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 178 - Charged Up Part 2 - FIRST Reactions to Charged Up

Episode Description - In this episode, our interview panel reacts to the release of the Charged Up kickoff for the 2023 FRC Competitibe season. The panel discusses the game and how some teams might approach the design of their robots to accomplish certain aspects of the game. Interview Panel: Scott Stap - Team 5084 - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/5084 Matt Brechting - Team 4967 - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/4967

RoboZone Podcast Episode 177 - Charged Up Part 1 - New Season-New Sponsorship

Episode Description - In this episode, our interview panel reacts to the release of the Charged Up kickoff event hosted at Lawernce Technological University. The panel discusses the event and the support that LTU is doing for local teams in the area and the sponsorship for the RoboZonePodcast. Interview Panel: Dr. Selin Arslan - http://www.ltu.edu Denver Rochon - RoboZone Lorne Plant - RoboZone

RoboZone Podcast Episode 176 - FTC Power Play Game Animation Trailer Release and Reactions

Video Link: https://youtu.be/rTL2puCXUhw Episode Description - In this episode, our interview panel reacts to the release of the Power Play FTC Game Animation trailer. The panel discusses their initial reactions, some suggestions and how your FTC team might want to approach the game and your robot design. Interview Panel: Chris Sommers - Team 5090 - The Loose Screws - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/5090 Jennifer Cellarius - Hartland Robotics - https://www.hartlandrobotics.org/ Ed ...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 174 - MI State Champions stop by

Video Link: https://youtu.be/T60Zll6bwhc Episode Description - In this episode, our interview panel reviews the route to the Michigan State Robotics Championships with Team 27 Rush and Team 2337 EngiNERDS and looks back on the Rapid React Season. Kettering GoPro Corner Update: John Wolfert Interview Panel: Kyle Hughes - Team 27 Rush - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/27 Clinton Bolinger - Team 2337 EngiNERDS - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/2337

RoboZone Podcast Episode 173 - A CHAMPS Alliance partner and the House of Cards

Video Link: https://youtu.be/gYbmJbvJRvw Episode Description - In this episode, our interview panel reviews the action from World Champs event in Houston and looks back on the regular Rapid React Season. Toics such as a Team Mom's compeition and t-shirt trading even make the discussion! Kettering GoPro Corner Update: John Wolfert Interview Panel: Knight Vision - Team 3175 - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/3175 Jason - Drive Coach Cooper - Drive Team Max - Drive Team Izzy - Drive Team...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 172 - 2022 Rapid React Post FIM States Discussion

Episode Description - In this episode, our interview panel reviews the action from Michigan State Championships and looks back on the regular Rapid React Season. We also discuss what is happening currently at the World Championships in Houston. Kettering GoPro Corner Update: John Wolfert Interview Panel: Ben Shoemaker - Team 3655 - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/3655 Scott Stap - Team 5084 - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/5084 Russ Mars and Team Fridgebot - Team 5084 - https://w...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 171 - Rapid React Week 5 with the Cory and Jay

Episode Description - In this episode, our interview panel reviews the action from Week 5 events in the Rapid React season. With Team 2767 and 494 now with winning multiple blue banners we discuss what made teams successful and some of the strategies that we witnessed. We also talk about how we see the Meta changing for State Championships in Michigan and around FIRST. Kettering GoPro Corner Update: Kim Shumaker John Wolfert Interview Panel: Cory Walters - Team 2767 - https://www.theblueal...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 170 - Rapid React Week 4 with the Champs and the Jims

Video Link: https://youtu.be/b03WsR6waSI Episode Description - In this episode, our interview panel reviews the action from Week 4 events in the Rapid React season. With Team 33 and 4362 now with two blue banners a piece we discuss what made teams successful and some of the strategies that we witnessed. We also talk about how we see the Meta changing into Week 5. We THANK all the volunteers for their efforts for Week 3 and returning to action. Kettering GoPro Corner Update: Kim Shumaker Jo...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 169 - Rapid React Week 3 Review and Reactions

Video Link: https://youtu.be/pLYDLNKkjsw Episode Description - In this episode, our interview panel reviews the action from Week 3 events at Kettering University 2 and Rochester. We discuss what made teams successful and some of the strategies that we witnessed. We also talk about how we see the Meta changing into Week 4. We THANK all the volunteers for their efforts for Week 3 and returning to action. Interview Panel: Isolina Carlini - Team 2832 - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/2832...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 168 - Rapid React Week 2 Review and Reactions

Video Link: https://youtu.be/HrVfaHSG8Kw Episode Description - In this episode, our interview panel reviews the action from Week 2 events at Kettering University 2 and Rochester. We discuss what made teams successful and some of the strategies that we witnessed. We also talk about how we see the Meta changing into Week 3. We THANK all the volunteers for their efforts for Week 2 and returning to action. Interview Panel: Chris Purdy - Team 3534 - https://www.thebluealliance.com/team/3534 All...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 167 - Rapid React Week 1 Review and Reactions

Video Link: https://youtu.be/QuCxsiqfyqQ Episode Description - In this episode, our interview panel reviews the action from Week 1 events at Kettering University and Calvin University. We discuss what made teams successful and some of the strategies that we witnessed. We also talk about how we see the Meta changing into Week 2. We THANK all the volunteers for their efforts for Week 1 and returning to action. Kettering University GoPro Corner Update John Wolfert Interview Panel: Kyle Hughe...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 166 - Rapid Reactions from Kettering Week 0

Video Link: https://youtu.be/F0zsaJ5dKw4 Episode Description - In this episode, John Wolfert and I talk about what we saw form the Week 0 Events being held around the world in preparation for the first Rapid React Week 1 events. We discuss strategies we saw, how defense might be a big part of this seasons game and how we will see multiple robots traverse the hanger in Week 1. Kettering University GoPro Corner Update John Wolfert

RoboZone Podcast Episode 165 - Scouting for the Rapid React 2022 Season

Video Link: https://youtu.be/803jOJv_NQs Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with panel of individuals that their sole focus is Scouting for the 2022 Rapid React season. They each provide their teams approach to both Pit Scouting and Match Scouting. We cover some of the important aspects of scouting for this game and scouting in general. Kettering University GoPro Corner Update John Wolfert Kim Shumaker Special Guests: David Reeves - Team 862 Lightning Justin Christenson - Tea...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 164 - Prepping for your FIRST Event with a Merry Band of Mentors

Episode Description - In this episode, we speak with panel of mentors about prepping your team for our FIRST event in the 2022 Rapid React season. We cover topics from Scouting, Batteries, Drive Teams and Student Behavior for events. These is a treasure-trove of information within this episode so make sure you have a pen and paper to jot down some notes! Kettering University GoPro Corner Update John Wolfert Kim Shumaker Special Guests: Kyle Hughes - Team 27 Team Rush Jon Uren - Team 1684 ...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 163 - FRC Manipulators for 2022 Game with Teams 3847 and Team 95 The Grasshoppers

Video Link: https://youtu.be/STvmammVqS8 Episode Description - In this episode, we speak to members of Team 3847 Spectrum and Team 95 The Grasshoppers to talk about their approaches for the 2022 Rapid React game and their robot designs. We cover Intakes, Indexing and the Climbers that each team has now developed and implementing to get ready for their Week 1 events in Rapid React. We also talk about the Open Alliance and the importance of information sharing between teams in a format the hel...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 162 - 2022 Everybot with Team 118 Robonauts

Episode Description - In this episode we speak to the members of Team 118 Robonauts and their 2022 Everybot design. We learn about the history of the Everybot and how with each passing season how the program evolves and continues to help FRC team be competitive from a singular design. This episode was jammed packed full of information that any team could use to get their teams ready for the start of the 2022 Rapid React Competitive season! We even have some Week 1 predictions from our panel o...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 161 - Chairmans Award Process with 2021 CHAMPS Team 503 Frog Force

RoboZone Podcast Episode 161 - Chairman's Award Process with 2021 CHAMPS Team 503 Frog Force Episode Description - In this episode we speak to the members of Team 503 Frog Force from Novi Michigan about the coveted Chairman's Award. As reigning 2021 World Chairman's Award Winners they stop by and provide some insights on how they approached the task of creating their 2021 submission for the Chairman's Award. This episode was filmed and streamed LIVE on our stream. We also check in with Kim a...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 160 - FRC Design Process with Team 148 Robowranglers

Episode Description - In this episode we speak to the members of the legendary Greenville Texas based Robowranglers Team 148 on how they approach each season with their design and build strategy. This episode was filmed and streamed LIVE on our stream. We also check in with Kim and John from Kettering University on activities on the Kettering Campus as Competition Week 1 events are not too far from realization! Kettering University GoPro Corner Update Kim Shumaker John Wolfert Special Gues...

RoboZone Podcast Episode 159 - Kettering RI3D Team and Strategy Dictates Design with an EngiNERD

RoboZone Podcast Episode #158 - FRC Design-Build Timeline with Team 27 RUSH

Episode Description - In this episode we catch up with Kim and John as part of our Go Pro Update series sponsored by Kettering University. In addition, Kyle and Dennis stop by from Team 27 RUSH to go over what teams should be accomplishing for the Rapid React game after Kickoff and up to the end of the 6 week build season. There is a lot of information in this episode so get your pens and pencils out for some note taking! Kettering University GoPro Corner Update Kim Shoemaker John Wolfert S...

RoboZone Podcast Episode #157 - New Products from AndyMark for 2022 Season

Episode Description - In this episode we catch up with John form Kettering University to ask about the preparations for the 2022 FRC Kick Event being hosted at Kettering University. Also in this episode, Andy Baker, Owner of AndyMark and Mentor for his FRC Team stops by and gives us a little bit of history of AndyMark. He talks about the success of products they have offered in the past. He talks to us about the coming FRC 2022 Rapid React season! Special thanks to Andy for giving me the chan...

RoboZone Podcast Episode #156 - Checking in with West Coast Products

In this episode, RC, Owner of West Coast Products and Head Mentor for his FRC Team stops by and gives us a little bit of history of WCP. He talks about the success of products they have offered in the past. He talks to us about the coming FRC 2022 Rapid React season! He provides insights his company's approach to supporting FIRST while also handling challenges with a pandemic. This is an episode that you will want to listen to AND Watch! Special thanks to RC for giving me the chance to interv...

RoboZone Podcast Episode #155 - REV up for the 2022 Season!

In this episode, Greg Needel from REV Robotics stops by and gives us a history of REV robotics and what they have to offer this coming FRC 2022 Rapid React season! He has products in hand and provides insights on the approach that each of the new products underwent in the design process to make it easier for robotics teams to design the electronics boards. Greg also provides the updates on the company's approach to supporting FIRST while also handling challenges with a pandemic. This is an ep...

RoboZone Podcast Episode #154 - The History of Swerve Drive Specialties and the MK Module

RoboZone Podcast Episode #154 - The History of Swerve Drive Specialties and the MK Module Episode Description - In this episode, Patrick Woolfenden from Swerve Drive Specialties stops by and gives us a history of the MK series of Swerve Drive Modules that his company offers to the FRC Teams. If you have not heard of the MK series of Swerve Drive Modules than this is your opportunity to learn about how they came to be and the modifications and iteration the module has undergone over the past...

RoboZone Podcast Episode #152 - Kettering Kick-off 2021 Recap and Robots Society Inductees

Episode Description - In this episode, we recap the events at Kettering Kick-off 2021 over the two days that made up the event. In addition, we talked to the newly inducted members of Kettering University's Robotics Society. Emma, Abby and Julia tell us what it was like to get the news that they had been chosen for induction in the society and what they went through to apply. Kettering Go Pro Corner Update: John Wolfert Special Guests: Emma Mucciante Abigail Wolf Julia Rickabaugh Video ...

RoboZone Podcast Episode #153 - Freight Frenzy Reaction with a Loose Screw

Episode Description - In this episode, Chris Sommers stops by and provides his views and thoughts on the release of the Freight Frenzy FTC game for 2021. He provides his recommendations for how teams may want to prepare and build their robots to compete and overcome the challenges of the game. We review some of the rules and also draw some similarities and differences between FRC and FTC. Special Guests: Chris Sommers - FTC Team 5237 - The Loose Screws Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/...

RoboZone Podcast Episode #151 - IBM Research Interview - Blockchain - What is it and why?

Episode Description - In this episode, we continue our new monthly series of podcasts in conjunction with Kettering University and IBM. This series will include subjects of AI and Cryptocurrency. Special Guest Gerry Cuomo, Computer Scientist working for IBM, educates us on the Blockchain! We cover the history, current trends and what we look to see in the future. Kettering Go Pro Corner Update: John Wolfert Special Guest: Gerry Cuomo - IBM Video Podcast Link: https://youtu.be/2ysm1kZTIbM

RoboZone Podcast Episode #150 - Interview with IBM Research Part 2 - How is AI enhancing our lives

Episode Description - In this episode, we continue our new monthly series of podcasts in conjunction with Kettering University and IBM. This series will include subjects of AI and Cryptocurrency. Special Guest Ruchir, Computer Scientist working for IBM, educates our panel on these subjects. We cover the history, current trends and what we look to see in the future. For this episode Ruchir educates us on the benefits of AI through Supply-Chain, Security and Medicine! Kettering Go Pro Corner U...