Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is Technotics?
2. What do the teeth on the gears of our logo represent?
3. What is the robotics competition about?
4. What is this year's challenge?
5. Is there any restriction on behalf of the robot?
6. Who is eligible to join the team?
7. How do I join the team?
8. When and where do we work?
9. How can I support the team?
10. When is the robotics competition?

1. What is " Team Technotics" ?

The Technotics is a ROBOTICS team composed of about 20 high students who are interested in science, engineering, computer programming, designing, and writing. The team entered the US FIRST Robotics Competition in 2005 and competes in the SBPLI Long Island Regional. As a rookie team, we had progressed very well and were able to win the Autodesk Animation Award. This year, our team looks forward to an even better season and is highly motivated.

2. What do the teeth on the gears of our logo represent?

Similar to the Olympic Rings, each tooth of the gear represents a country. Because FIRST is an international program, so we use the gears to show our respects to all the teams around the world. There are three gears in our logo: two black and one red. The black gears represents peace, teamwork, respect, friendship, and safety. The red gear represents competition, determination, dedication, innovation, and strives for success. We put the red and black gears together because they are our team and school colors.

3. What is the robotics competition about?

The US FIRST Robotics Competition is a contest between high school students from different high schools who work together as a team to build a functional robot within a given time [usually six weeks]. Each year, FIRST announces a new challenge and introduces new equipments to all the teams involved. Although the competition is full of tension, it is also full of teamwork, "gracious professionalism", friendship, and innovation.

4. What is this year's challenge?

This year the game is called FIRST Lunacy; it is a game played on a field known as the Crator. Two alliances, one red and one blue, composed of three teams each, compete in each match. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than your opponent by placing the GAME PIECES in the TRAILERS hitched to the opposing ALLIANCE'S ROBOTS.

 5. Are there any restrictions on the robot?

Yes, there are many rules and restrictions as to how the robot should and should not be built. In general, the robot is not allowed to exceed a volume of 28 inches by 38 inches by 60 inches at the start of the match. In addition, the robot's maximum weight must not exceed 120 lbs (excluding an Exide battery and its associated half of the Anderson cable quick connect/disconnect pair, and any robot bumper assemblies).

6. Who is eligible to join the team?

Anyone who passes all his/her classes in school and is willing to work hard is welcome to join the team.

7. How do I join the team?

If you fulfill the eligibility requirements, you may speak to Mr. Paolino in Room 111 or go to room B2 during periods 9, 10, or 11 during any weekday. We welcome all new members.

8. When and where do we work?

The mechanics team will work in room B2 from Monday to Friday during period 9 through 10 (sometimes even after school) and Saturday from about 9 am to 5 pm. Other members, like programmers, web-designers, writers, photographers, etc. can work at home or at school without fixed hours. However, all members are strongly encouraged to help out with the construction of the robot.

9. How can I support the team?

You are more than welcome to sponsor us with financial assistance or equipment and supplies. Any voluntary work or involvement with the team will be equally appreciated. To support us, you can email us any time at technotics1635@gmail.com or call Mr. Paolino at (718)595-8420. We are very obliged for all your help and support.

10 When is the US FIRST Robotics Competition?

Although the robot must be shipped by February 17, the actual Robotics Competition does not take place until April. For the New York City Regional, the competition will take place on March 6, 7, and 8. Regional finalists will compete in Atlanta, April 16-18 at the Georgia Dome.