What are the benefits of joining Talon and doing Robotics?
Talon Robotics operates as both a business and engineering side, which allows students to be exposed to multiple different STEM fields throughout their time on the team. Furthermore, the team is split up into subteams under both the business and engineering subteams (see Team Organizational Chart) which allows students to explore and commit to spending time on whatever they want to spend time on on the team, and get more specific on the interests. Due to this, students can explore fields they may not be familiar with. Also, our team is saturated with students of all different backgrounds and experiences, and it allows students to meet all kinds of people and is a great place to make all kinds of friends and have all kinds of unique experiences.
What does a typical robotics year look like?
Kickoff
Typically, robotics season starts the first year after winter break, around January 6th. That day is ‘Kickoff’, when we find out about our game for the year. From that day on we have open rooms Monday-Friday to prepare for the competitions.
Season and Competitions
Then starts our 6-week season, which consists of designing, prototyping, and building the robot. Typically, our competitions take place around the end of March, and we compete in 2 per year (one travel competition and one local competition). If we make it to the Worlds Competition, that takes place around mid-April.
Off-season
The rest of the year consists of our robotics off-season. This time is often focused on taking a break and raising funds for the next season. The amount of open rooms lowers significantly, and Talon will attend a lot more events and showcases. Talon also takes part in off-season competitions, which usually take place in the months of September through December, and we will often participate in 2-3.
What is the time commitment of robotics?
Robotics operates in an open-room style of meeting with separate subteam meetings. Throughout the season, open rooms will take place Monday-Friday, 3:45-9:00, but students are NOT required to stay the whole time, instead can come and leave whenever on whatever days they would like to. Team meetings during the season take place on Tuesdays from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm and are required for those who are planning to letter. Off-season team meetings take place every other week and are not required to letter. Subteams will plan their meetings at set times throughout the week, usually for an hour, and students are welcome to attend whatever ones they are interested in. Open rooms during the season decrease drastically but work the same way, with students being allowed to leave whenever they would like to.
How much does robotics cost?
Registering for the team requires a fee of around $200, but scholarships and financial aid are available if necessary. Travel competitions also require a fee, which can be partly subsidized if students spend a certain amount of time in open rooms (around 25 hours).
What are the requirements for lettering?
See “Resources” under Talon Home Page and look for “Lettering Requirements“.
Contact us on any platform if you have other questions!
Stay Connected With Us During The Entire Season!
If you want to stay connected with the team during the entire season. Feel free to check out our social media pages: