On November 2nd, 2024, Team 1403 competed in the 24th Ramp Riot Robotics Competition at Wissahickon High School in Ambler, Pennsylvania. By the end of the competition Team 1403 placed 29th out of 44 teams, chosen for the 4th alliance, and earned 3rd place during final eliminations. The team used this competition for potential driver tryouts, opening up more lines of communication and taking knowledge from other veteran teams.
The qualification matches were a learning experience for many members of Team 1403. The scouting data, used to evaluate other teams, was very accurate with minimal mistakes. The robot also had no voltage divider issues, thanks to the efforts of our electrical subteam! Most importantly, the team’s unity and resilience remained consistent throughout the competition, allowing 1403 to successfully apply changes to our communication and match strategy during the playoffs. Abhishek, a sophomore on the Mechanical subteam trying out for operator, explained that “it was nerve wracking as there were many people in the audience and people from the team watching,” adding that “with the help and support of team captains Shria and Aarsh and the mentors present [I] was able to overcome the nervousness surrounding [my] performance.” Other members, including those new to the team, shared similar sentiments regarding the team’s unity and the support they received.
Following the qualification matches, the team found itself ranking 29th out of 34 teams. The strategy subteam quickly reassessed their game plan, and talked with possible alliance captains in hopes that we would be selected. After being selected by the Krypton Cougars (Team 2539) and the Mechanical Mustangs (Team 3314), 1403 decided to take on the role of a feeder for the other robots, handing off game elements for alliance partners to score. The programming team worked alongside Krypton Cougar members to develop multiple passing shots before the match. On the other hand, members of the drive team opted to demonstrate “more efficient communication with our alliance partners,” according to sophomore Wilson Dee, a new member on our drive team. Our alliance defeated numerous notable alliances, consisting of teams such as the Cyber Crusaders (Team 272) and the Fightin’ Robotic Owls (Team 5401). Due to a joint effort between our subteams, mentors, and drive team, as well as our alliance partners’ performances, Team 1403 was able to achieve a high ranking, making it to the semifinals.
Ultimately, Team 1403 was able to make a major comeback during the playoffs of Ramp Riot. The team captains emphasized that 1403’s success was a joint effort; Aarsh said that he “didn’t expect everyone to do so well” emphasizing that even logistics-side subteams such as Business/Communications, Outreach, and Audio/Visual were “active and in the pit during the competition.” Overall, Team 1403’s resilience and teamwork even when faced with challenges allowed us to improve our standings when it came time for the playoffs. As a whole 1403’s experience during this competition was successful, and the lessons learned will be invaluable come competition season.
Written by The Business & Communications Subteam
Instagram: @team1403
Website: www.cougarrobotics.com
Email: cougar1403@gmail.com