Team Organization 

Team 2181 is divided into six sub-teams: Build, Electrical, Design, Programming, Scouting, Business & Media, and several secondary sub-teams, including the Drive Team, Pit Crew, and Impact Presentation. Furthermore, there exist several specialized roles, such as Student Leads, Student Captains, and Coaches/Mentors.

2181 Sub-Teams

Sub-teams are operated year-round unless their sub-team is exclusive to the competition season. Every member of the team chooses 1 or 2 sub-teams to participate in the season. There are no prerequisites to join any team, and everyone is more than welcome to test out sub-teams before officially selecting one or two teams to join for the season.

Build

The Build sub-team is responsible for creating the physical structure and parts of the robot. Typically, while the season is active, they begin to prototype and build parts of the robot to create the final result, which is a fully functional robot that serves the purpose that the team wants for the season. They spend their time measuring, cutting, and bolting various parts while also learning how to use the numerous tools provided to them. The build team learns to adapt to new challenges every year and grows its knowledge by continually modifying and improving the robot to make it better.

Electrical 

The Electrical sub-team is responsible for wiring the robot and ensuring that all the electrical components of the robot are organized and are working properly. In this sub-team, members learn the electrical principles needed to keep the robot running. They identify motor issues and other issues throughout the robot. Members learn how to work with digital electronics and explore how the electronics work inside the robot while also being able to apply those skills to nearly anything electrical related.

Design

The Design team is responsible for creating custom-designed items used for the robots and the team. Members learn how to prototype and design parts of the robot in this sub-team. They specialize in OnShape and Fusion, two computer-aided design programs that enable members to create 3D and 2D shapes, which can then be integrated into the robot’s design. As they grow in experience, they become more innovative and are then allowed the responsibility of working on more pieces for the team. Each year, members are given new challenges to innovate and grow their skills on the team. 

Programming

The programming sub-team is responsible for writing all the code to control the robot in autonomous and user-operated mode. Mentors and upperclassmen assist in helping newer members with programming languages such as Java and tools such as AdvantageScope, SmartDashboard, FRC Driver Station, etc. Members are then taught to use those tools to solve a variety of issues, ranging from difficulty. 

Scouting & Strategy

The Scouting & Strategy sub-team is responsible for creating tactics for the robot to perform as efficiently as possible. Members are expected to learn the current year’s game rules and analyze what they can use to coordinate with each other and strategize for the route process of the robot. Strategy works closely with the Drive Team to plan out the future matches.

The Scouting team works with Strategy to analyze strategies that other FRC teams are employing. Members design and coordinate a scouting database at meetings, which is then used at competitions to provide information about other teams’ robots. The information is used to assist the process of match strategy and alliance selections. Members learn how to use their time wisely and pay attention to detail while in this sub-team.

Business & Media

The Business & Media sub-team is responsible for managing the team’s sponsorships and fundraising efforts. Members plan outreach events, recruit new members, and promote what FRC Team 2181 GEARS is. Students learn how to speak effectively and widen the team’s social media presence while learning project management skills. They also photograph the team, work on the team website, and design apparel and buttons.  All members are welcome to join or help out with this sub-team when not actively working with their primary sub-teams. Students can join the sub-team to work on one specific outreach event, or for the entire year, and help plan all of them.