Context

FTC is a team-based robotics competition that requires students to design, build, program, and test robots within a fixed time frame and rule set.

My Role and Work

• Participated in robot programming and sensor integration

   

• Assisted in debugging hardware and software failures

   

• Contributed to iterative design changes based on testing results

   

• Worked closely with teammates to meet competition deadlines

   

Challenges Faced

• Sensors failing or producing inconsistent data

   

• Mechanical designs not performing as expected

   

• Limited time for testing and redesign

   

• Need for clear communication during high-pressure situations

   

Skills Developed

• Programming logic and debugging

   

• Systems thinking across hardware and software

   

• Team collaboration and task coordination

   

• Patience and adaptability when ideas failed

   

Key Learning

FTC taught me that real engineering rarely works perfectly the first time. Reliable systems are built through repeated testing, teamwork, and learning from mistakes rather than quick fixes.