Founded in 2005 in Ra'anana, Israel, FRC Team #1577: Steampunk has grown immensely over the years. Read on to learn more about this #TeamREV team!

Tell us a little bit about your team’s background.

Our team's student members are mainly from Aviv High School, but also from other diverse schools in our city. Each position plays a vital role in the team's success, and effective collaboration among these roles is essential. By working together, our team can leverage the unique skills and expertise of each member to create a well-rounded and high-performing robotics team. Here are some of our students' leading positions: 

• Captain: The captain is responsible for overall team coordination and leadership. They oversee the team's activities, ensuring effective communication among team members. The captain provides guidance, motivates team members, and helps maintain a positive team culture. 
• Head of Mechanics: The head of mechanics is in charge of the mechanical aspects of the robot. They lead the design, construction, and maintenance of the robot's physical components. This includes selecting appropriate materials, creating CAD models, and overseeing the assembly process. The head of mechanics works closely with the rest of the team to ensure the robot meets the competition's requirements and performs optimally. 
• Head of Electronics: The head of electronics oversees the electrical systems of the robot. They are responsible for selecting and integrating electronic components, wiring the robot, and ensuring proper functionality. They work closely with the head of mechanics to ensure seamless integration between the mechanical and electrical systems.
• Head of Software: The head of software focuses on programming and control systems. They develop the software that controls the robot's movements, sensors, and autonomous functions. They collaborate with the mechanical and electronics teams to ensure the software aligns with the robot's capabilities and objectives. The head of software also leads the testing and debugging processes. 
• Head of Public Relations & Community: The head of public relations and community engagement is responsible for promoting the team's activities and building relationships with the community. They manage the team's social media presence, create marketing materials, and organize outreach events. They also coordinate sponsorships, fundraising efforts, and community service initiatives. The head of public relations and community engagement helps raise awareness about robotics and fosters positive connections with the team's supporters. 
• Head of Scouting: The head of scouting is responsible for researching and analyzing the competition's challenges and strategies. They collect and process data from previous and current competitions, such as game rules, scoring systems, robot designs, and team performances. They use this data to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the team and the opponents, and to suggest improvements and adaptations. 
• Head of Workshop Manufacturing: The head of workshop manufacturing oversees the fabrication and testing of the robot parts. They ensure the availability and quality of the tools, materials, and equipment needed for the robot construction. They also supervise the safety and efficiency of the workshop operations. The head of workshop manufacturing works closely with the mechanics team to make the workshop efficient and manufacturing parts on time to match the team’s schedule.

Last season, our robot was named Jesco, graciously sponsored by Apple.

What are a few recent achievements your team is proud of?

• Competing at FIRST Championship 2022 as the Turing Division Winner and an Einstein Division Finalist.
• Earning multiple Gracious Professionalism Awards in recent years, thanks to #ShaniTeam, our secondary force in-events team. #ShaniTeam is there for other teams to make sure their robots are functioning and other teams get the ultimate experience at events. 
• Providing a beneficial educational experience to our students.
• Helping families displaced by regional conflicts, most recently teaching STEM skills to evacuee children to educate and inspire them. Our team is dedicated to leaving a positive impact on society wherever possible. Though robotics remains our focus, giving back through volunteer work and mentorship holds great importance to us as well.

What has your team been working on recently?

This season, we have been striving to spread STEM education throughout Ra'anana and across Israel by engaging with youth in our community. As always, we're focusing our competitive efforts towards our upcoming events. Our team is also dedicated towards helping other robotics teams. We understand the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and fostering a supportive community within the robotics field. Here are some ways in which we contribute to the growth and development of other robotics teams: 

• Mentorship: Our team volunteers our time and expertise to mentor and guide other robotics teams. We provide support in areas such as robot design, programming, strategy development, and team management. By sharing our knowledge and experiences, we help other teams improve their skills and achieve their goals. 
• Workshops and Training: Our team organizes workshops and training sessions for other robotics teams. These sessions cover various topics, including technical aspects like programming, mechanical design, and electrical systems, as well as non-technical areas such as team organization, fundraising, and community outreach. By offering these educational opportunities, we help other teams enhance their capabilities and become more well-rounded. 
• Competition Support: We provide support and encouragement to other robotics teams during competitions. We offer assistance with robot repairs, strategy development, and scouting. By fostering a spirit of cooperation and sportsmanship, we contribute to a positive and inclusive competition environment. Through our dedication to helping other robotics teams, our team hopes to exemplify the values of FIRST Robotics.

What is your team enjoying within the #TeamREV program?

The #TeamREV program has brought immense value through collaboration and assistance. REV’s consistent support and being able to connect with other teams has augmented our knowledge and allowed us to innovate more effectively.

Wishing you the best of luck at your upcoming events, Steampunk! Follow the team on these platforms:

• Facebook
• X (Twitter)
• Instagram
• TikTok
• YouTube
• LinkedIn