Locked, Loaded, and Learning: Shooter Prototype Unleashed

CHANTILLY, VA – DECEMBER 8th, 2025 – With build season fast approaching, Chantilly Robotics jump-started preparations with an energizing preseason project focused on building and understanding shooter mechanisms.

The team spent the entire preseason developing a shooter prototype that intakes a ball and launches it into a target area, giving members valuable hands-on experience before the season begins. They began with digital designs in Onshape, creating custom parts such as gears, ramps, and structural components. Once the design was finalized, members manufactured the needed pieces, which included laser-cut arms and several axles made from threaded rods.

After manufacturing came assembly and testing. The students integrated the electrical system so the battery could power the motor, which in turn spun the wheels that fired the ball.

In summary, the shooter prototype served not only as a learning tool but also as preparation for the upcoming build season, ensuring that Team 612 enters with a strong understanding of how to design and construct a reliable shooting mechanism.

About Chantilly Robotics 

Chantilly Robotics (FRC team 612) brightens the future for leaders and student technologists within our team, school, and community through fun and engaging methods of learning and teaching while shining a light on the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). 

Founded in 2001 with eight student members as an engineering class project, Chantilly Robotics is one of the largest extracurricular organizations at Chantilly High School with over 100 registered members each year. Team 612 competes at FIRST Robotics Competitions in the Chesapeake District. Outside of competition, Team 612 supports multiple FIRST Lego League Teams and elementary school STEM activities in the Chantilly High School Pyramid, spreading love for STEM as well as FIRST values through community outreach. 

For more information, visit https://www.frc612.org or email chantilly.612@gmail.com. The Chantilly Governor’s STEM Academy, located at Chantilly High School, sponsors Team 612. Chantilly Academy inspires and empowers a diverse body of learners to explore career pathways employing current industry trends taught by dedicated professionals.

For more information on sponsoring Team 612, refer to the attached Sponsor Package.

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