Engineering
Hands-on design and build.
★ FIRST® Tech Challenge // Team 35806
ROCK ROBOTICS
We are a FIRST Tech Challenge team dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators through competitive robotics, STEM education, and community outreach.
01 |About Our Team
Solid, dependable, here to stay.
Rock Robotics exists to inspire young people through hands-on STEM experiences in competitive robotics. We believe that every student, regardless of background, deserves the opportunity to discover engineering, programming, and teamwork.
As a FIRST Tech Challenge team, we design, build, and program robots to compete in annual challenges while developing leadership skills, technical expertise, and a commitment to giving back to our community. Our name reflects our commitment: we are here to build something lasting.
Team Profile● 35806
0Team number
0Rookie year
2026–27Season
BIOBUZZGame
Teamwork
Collaboration above all.
Innovation
Creative problem solving.
Outreach
Community impact.
- 2026
Team Founded
Rock Robotics was officially registered as FTC Team 35806, a group of passionate students with the shared goal of competing in FIRST Tech Challenge.
- '26
'27BIOBUZZ | Rookie Season
Our first competitive season. We are designing and building our inaugural robot, learning the fundamentals of robot design, programming, and competition strategy.
- Next
The Future
We are committed to growing as engineers, competitors, and community members. Each season brings new challenges and new ways to make an impact.
What is FIRST® Tech Challenge?
A robotics competition for students in grades 7–12 where teams design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge. Part of FIRST, which reaches over 679,000 students worldwide.
Robot Design
Teams design and build robots from a reusable, professional-grade platform to perform specific tasks in an annual game challenge.
Programming
Students learn Java or Blocks-based programming to control robots autonomously and via driver control during matches.
Competition
Teams compete in qualifiers, league meets, and championships. Awards recognize design, programming, outreach, and more.
Engineering Notebook
Teams document their entire design process, from concept to competition-ready robot.
Outreach
Teams give back through STEM education, mentoring younger teams, and public demonstrations.
Gracious Professionalism®
Competing fiercely while treating everyone with respect, winning and losing gracefully while helping others succeed.
This season: BIOBUZZ
For our rookie season, we are designing and building a robot to compete in the BIOBUZZ challenge. Our design process focuses on reliability, scoring efficiency, and a strong autonomous routine.
Robot Specifications
- DrivetrainTBD
- Control SystemREV Control Hub
- ProgrammingJava
- WeightTBD lbs
Robot Photo Coming Soon
Our Design Process
An iterative engineering loop, every season.
Research
We analyze the game manual, study game elements, and research mechanisms from other teams and engineering resources.
Brainstorm
We sketch multiple approaches for each subsystem, discuss trade-offs, and use decision matrices to evaluate ideas objectively.
CAD Design
Selected concepts are modeled in CAD to verify dimensions, interference, and center of gravity before any parts are made.
Prototype
We build rapid prototypes to test mechanisms and validate assumptions, failing fast and iterating toward better solutions.
Build
Final assembly brings together all tested subsystems, with a focus on build quality, wire management, and maintainability.
Test & Iterate
Continuous testing and refinement: we log performance data, identify weaknesses, and improve between competitions.
Meet the team
The students and mentors behind Rock Robotics.
Dylan Pitchford
Co-FounderSweetha Manikandan
Co-FounderOur Subteams
Mechanical
The physical design, fabrication, and assembly of the robot: CAD, 3D printers, hand tools, and power tools bringing designs to life.
Software
The robot's control code, autonomous routines, and driver-assist features, written in Java with the FTC SDK, focused on reliability.
Business & Outreach
Sponsorship, fundraising, social media, community outreach, and the engineering notebook: the resources and presence to succeed.
Our Mentors
Experienced professionals and volunteers who guide our team.
Head Mentor
Lead MentorTechnical Mentor
Engineering MentorCoach
Team CoachWe're Actively Recruiting Mentors
We're looking for mentors with experience in engineering, programming, business, or any relevant field. No time commitment is too small.
Interested in joining? We are always looking for motivated students, no prior experience required.
Giving back to our community
FIRST is about more than building robots. We are committed to making robotics and technology accessible to everyone by introducing younger students to STEM, supporting other FIRST teams, and engaging our local community.
STEM Demonstrations
We bring our robot and hands-on activities to schools, libraries, and community events, presenting engineering concepts in an engaging, interactive setting.
Mentoring Younger Teams
We support FIRST LEGO League and newer FTC teams through joint workshops and technical guidance.
Community Events
We participate in local fairs, maker events, and open houses to showcase FTC, recruit members, and raise STEM awareness.
Social Media Education
Through our channels we share build updates, engineering tips, and educational content that makes STEM approachable.
Our Goals● TBD
TBDStudents to reach
TBDOutreach events
TBDCommunity hours
TBDTeams to mentor
Invest in the next generation
Sponsoring Rock Robotics is a direct investment in STEM education and the next generation of engineers, programmers, and leaders. Your brand can feature on our robot, apparel, website, and at competitions, and all donations through HCB (Hack Club Bank) are tax-deductible.
- Company name on website
- Company shoutout on social media
- Thank you letter from the team
- Mentioned in Engineering Notebook
- All previous tier perks, plus:
- Small logo on team shirt
- All previous tier perks, plus:
- Medium logo on team shirt
- Small logo on competition robot
- All previous tier perks, plus:
- Large logo on team shirt
- Medium logo on competition robot
- Robot demonstration at your event
- All previous tier perks, plus:
- Headline logo on team shirt
- Large logo on competition robot
- All previous tier perks, plus:
- Pit banner solely dedicated to your organization!
Custom packages available | contact us to tailor one to your organization.
Where Your Support Goes
Competition Fees
Team registration, qualifier event fees, and league meet costs required to compete each season.
Robot Parts
Motors, sensors, structural components, 3D-printing materials, and electronics to build a competitive robot.
Tools & Equipment
Hand tools, power tools, safety gear, and workspace materials to fabricate and assemble the robot.
Team Supplies
Team shirts, pit display materials, and notebook supplies to represent the team professionally.
Outreach
Materials for community events, STEM demonstrations, and educational programs for younger students.
Travel
Transportation to competition venues, outreach events, and advancement tournaments through the season.
Your Donation's Impact
Donations accepted through HCB (Hack Club Bank). Tax-deductible under Hack Club's 501(c)(3). No donation is too small.
$25Hardware & fasteners
$50A motor or sensor
$100A student's shirt & supplies
$250Registration for an event
$500A major robot subsystem
$1k+A big part of our season
In-Kind Donations
We also welcome donations of materials, tools, workspace, or expertise:
- Robot parts and hardware
- 3D-printing materials or services
- Tools and workshop equipment
- Meeting or workspace access
- Professional mentorship
- Software licenses or subscriptions
Current Sponsors
As a rookie team, we're building our sponsor family from the ground up. Your logo could be here.
06 |Contact
Get in touch.
Questions, sponsorship, mentoring, joining, or just curious? We'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
FAQ
How can I join Rock Robotics?
We welcome students in grades 7–12 with any skill level, no prior robotics experience is required. Contact us using the form above or reach out via email to express your interest.
How can I sponsor the team?
See the sponsorship packages above, or contact us directly. We offer multiple tiers with benefits including logo placement and event invitations.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. We are fiscally sponsored by The Hack Foundation (Hack Club), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations through HCB are tax-deductible and you will receive a receipt.
Can I volunteer or mentor?
We welcome mentors with experience in engineering, programming, business, or any relevant field. Contact us to discuss how you can contribute your expertise.