Did you know: The #TeamREV Sponsorship Program is a global community! For the last #TeamREV spotlight of 2023, meet FTC Team 16166: WATT's UP, from Arges County, Romania.

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

WATT's UP was founded in 2016 at Dinicu Golescu National College. We are a veteran team, and the 23rd registered team in our country (RO023). Our team is composed of 22 members and mentors. Ever since our first season, our robot has been named “Mugurel”. This name is a legacy passed down through generations, with the 2023-24 CENTERSTAGE season foretelling the arrival of “Mugurel the 8th".

We are a team from a small, local community, establishing our reputation through our performance. Throughout our FIRST journey, we were part of the Winning Alliance of the Romanian National Championship 3 times (2019, 2022, and 2023). In 2019, after being Romania's Winning Alliance Captain, we attended the World Championship in Detroit, where we qualified in the top 5 and reached the semi-finals.

The idea of becoming promoters of STEM education in our community started from the desire to promote our team through various events. We didn't stop at surface-level efforts; we realized our potential to create meaningful change! Our projects include a series of initiatives such as workshops tailored for primary and secondary school students, team presentations in nearly every school within our city, and STEM workshops conducted in neighboring rural schools.

We help the younger generation, who one day will take their places in our team, gain exposure in this field as early as possible. Our goal is to inspire and empower the younger generation to take chances, dream big, and accomplish extraordinary feats. The message we want to convey is that our values don't just apply to robotics, but to any passion they discover. Even if you come from a small town or rural environment, you are capable of fulfilling your big dreams! 

What goals are your team working towards this season?

Our local community STEAM outreach is currently focused on the "Class of Robotics" Project, illuminating the facets of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through interactive workshops and demonstrations targeting 1st-8th graders. By unveiling the wonders of robotics, we communicated the importance of STEAM education while kindling curiosity and innovation among these young minds. 

Transitioning from one exciting endeavor to another, our team is meticulously preparing for the upcoming demo event. Themed demonstrations are in progress, designed to captivate and educate our audience. Partnerships with potential sponsors, local businesses, and educational institutions are underway to ensure the success of our event and provide resources for the expansion of our robotics initiatives. 

Our presence at the Mecatronix Festival at Politehnica University of Bucharest marked a pivotal moment for our team. This prestigious event provided a platform to showcase our innovative projects while facilitating valuable connections within the robotics community. Engaging with peers, professionals, and researchers, we gained insights into cutting-edge developments, inspiring us to uphold a standard of excellence and driving our team's commitment to continual learning and advancement in the dynamic field of robotics. 

The initiation of our training robot marks a significant stride in our team's evolution. Embarking on the construction of this dedicated learning platform reflects our commitment to skill development and knowledge dissemination within the team. As we delve into the intricacies of building our training robot, we enhance our technical expertise, establishing a foundation for future projects. This endeavor underscores our team's proactive approach to cultivating talent, ensuring that each member is equipped with the skills necessary for success in the challenging yet rewarding realm of robotics.

What has your team been working on recently?

The launch of "WATT’s UP Beyond Borders" signifies a groundbreaking approach to community bonding within the FTC sphere. The team's vision to connect FTC teams globally has materialized into virtual meet-ups and collaborative projects that transcend geographical boundaries. Early successes include the first virtual meet-up, bringing teams from different countries together, featuring insights from experienced FTC mentors. As we expand outreach and plan cross-border challenges, the initiative stands as a testament to the team's dedication to creating a tightly-knit, global FTC community. 

Throughout our local community, we are igniting a spark of curiosity and knowledge through a transformative initiative: the spread of STEAM education. In a world increasingly shaped by STEAM, we are on a mission to empower minds, develop creativity, and illuminate futures. The foundation of our initiative lies in the recognition of the profound impact that a STEAM education can have on young minds. We believe that by cultivating an early interest in these disciplines, they are preparing students for the challenges of the future while fostering a love for learning that transcends the classroom. We forged affiliations with local schools, creating a close relationship aimed to enrich the educational experience. Workshops and drawing contests conducted by us serve as interactive platforms for students to actively learn and engage with one another. As we continue to spread the light of STEAM education, we remain committed to continuous improvement. 

We are proud "FIRST Like a Girl" ambassadors, highlighting the importance of gender diversity within the team. In the vast landscape of STEAM, this initiative stands as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of gender diversity. Spearheaded by our team, this movement is not merely a slogan. We recognize that through advocating for gender equality, we are investing in the future of STEAM. By empowering girls and women to pursue their interests in science and technology, we are contributing to a more diverse and dynamic workforce. This diversity is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic advantage, ensuring that the solutions we design and the innovations we create are representative of the entire spectrum of human experiences. Moreover, we consider our team being a source of inspiration for aspiring female scientists, engineers, and technologists. It serves as a beacon, signaling that the doors of opportunity in STEAM are not closed based on gender. Through workshops and events, our team is actively engaging with local schools and communities, demonstrating that a passion for robotics knows no gender boundaries. 

In the heart of our hometown, a spark of excitement and anticipation is spreading as we prepare to host our very first robotics event - an event that promises to be a catalyst for change, inspiration, and a new era of technological curiosity. The decision to bring a robotics event to our community is rooted in a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of innovation and the boundless potential that lies within our local talent. As we envision the assembly of teams, the hum of machines, and the vibrant exchange of ideas, our goal is clear: to ignite a passion for robotics and technology that transcends age, background, and experience. For many attendees, this event will serve as a window into the world of robotics - a world that may have seemed distant or unfamiliar. By showcasing the marvels of engineering, the intricacies of programming, and the thrill of competition, we aim to demystify the realm of robotics and make it accessible to all. It is an opportunity for parents to witness the potential within their children, for students to discover new passions, and for the community as a whole to appreciate the boundless possibilities that technology brings. As the excitement builds and the countdown to the event begins, we are fueled by the belief that this initiative will leave a lasting impact. The very first robotics event in our hometown is not just a gathering of gears and gadgets; it is a celebration of innovation, a testament to the potential that resides within our community, waiting to be unlocked.

What is your team enjoying within the #TeamREV Sponsorship Program?

Being part of Team REV is not just a membership; it's an invitation to a realm of diverse and enjoyable experiences that extend far beyond the world of robotics. This program offers a unique blend of collaborative endeavors, continuous learning opportunities, active community engagement, and the chance to foster meaningful connections. 

• Collaboration and Teamwork: At the heart of Team REV lies a culture of collaboration and teamwork that transcends the traditional boundaries of project work. Collaborating on projects is more than a task; it's a shared journey where team members contribute their unique perspectives, ideas, and skills. The synergy that emerges from collective problem-solving fosters a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment that goes beyond the completion of tasks - it builds a sense of unity among team members. 
• Learning Opportunities: Team REV is a dynamic learning environment, providing valuable experiences that extend beyond conventional education. Our team explores new game strategies and innovative building ideas. The collaborative nature of the program allows team members to share insights, troubleshoot challenges, and collectively push the boundaries of their knowledge. The learning process becomes a dynamic and interactive exchange, driven by a shared passion for robotics and technology. 
• Community Engagement: The Team REV Program extends its impact beyond its immediate members by actively engaging with the broader robotics community. The use of digital platforms opens doors to a world of friendly, helpful, and mindful individuals who are willing to share ideas, concepts, and solutions. This sense of community extends beyond virtual spaces, creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported. The connections formed within this community become a source of inspiration and motivation. 
• Networking and Connections: One of the unexpected joys of being part of Team REV is the opportunity to network and establish connections that transcend team boundaries. The team's outreach efforts led to the discovery of another FTC team, leading to an invitation to one of our online meet-ups, "WATT's UP Beyond Borders." This exchange of ideas and collaboration with other teams expands the network, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual support.

Stay tuned for even more #TeamREV spotlights in 2024! Find Team WATT's UP on these platforms:

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