Programming the Robot for Competition

Overview: Team 612’s programming subteam improves the robot’s autonomy with LIDAR and a Jackscrew Cannon for precise coral placement.

CHANTILLY, VA, FEBRUARY 8TH, 2025. Chantilly 612’s programming subteam works on developing control code for the robot. They used this code to implement a new system that estimates distances around the robot and a Jackscrew Cannon, which twists up and down to shift pieces of the coral around the secondary payload. 

A part of programming develops the LIDAR sensor, a system that measures the environment around the robot. “The LIDAR sensor pushes out pulses of light and records when they return to find the distance between the sensor and any object,” said Achyut, a Programming member. “We use these distances to align the payload with the reef’s various heights”. The sensor is constantly rotating to get a complete view of the surroundings around it. This  allows Programming to automate the process of aiming the robot. By placing the sensor on the elevator system, Programming can develop a system that automatically aligns the elevator with the correct height and places the coral. 

Another part of programming created code to test the Jackscrew Cannon. “I worked on the Jackscrew Cannon,” said Victor. “It took a bit, but I got the cannon to move up and down”. The Jackscrew cannon is a system that uses a Jackscrew to push the front of a cannon containing the coral upwards. Victor is responsible for the code that allows the Jackscrew to twist upwards, allowing for the cannon to angle upwards and thus push out coral.

The contributions of the programming team build off of the projects of other subteams. The LIDAR sensor attaches to the frame that mechanical has built. Programming’s contributions give autonomy to the primary payload, minimizing human error from the gunner during competition. In case the Primary Payload has flaws during competition, Programming’s Jackscrew program allows for Mechanical’s Jackscrew-Cannon design to come to life on the Secondary Payload. Either way, Programming’s contributions to the team are immeasurable, and Team 612 moves forward knowing that they have a strong programming workforce to keep the competition robot strong. 

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.

Elvin Duong