Mechanical

FRC Equivalent: CAD, Design

The Mechanical role leads designing the various physical components of the ROV, from frame design, to attachment and directing of motors, to geared mechanisms, and test props. We design these parts using CAD (computer assisted design) software, and fabricate them using 3D printers and other machines. We also test different designs through extensive prototyping and hands-on experimentation.

On the Mechanical sub-team, you will learn the basics of modelling and design using SOLIDWORKS, as well as work to create simple and effective designs which reduce the complexity needed across the ROV. You’ll also learn how to fabricate different parts using various tools and machines. These skills are seldom offered in courses - UCSC lacks a mechanical engineering department - so the work done here is something you can’t get anywhere else at UCSC.

We recommend this sub-team for hands-on experience with building robots, and for those interested in complementing their studies with knowledge of mechanics.

Electronics

FRC Equivalent: Electrical

The Electronics role leads designing the various electrical components on the ROV, including sensor layouts, power conversion, network wiring, motor control, cameras, and more. We design these parts using circuit design software, and prototype them through a combination of hands-on testing and circuit analysis.

On the Electronics sub-team, you’ll learn the basics of circuit design using EAGLE, and create electrical designs which wire the different components of the ROV together, while meeting constraints such as thermal limits. You’ll also learn the basics of hands-on electronics construction, such as soldering, crimping, and waterproofing.

We recommend this sub-team for experience in designing hardware and learning the basics of Electrical Engineering. We also recommend this sub-team for programmers interested in complementing a knowledge of software systems with the underlying hardware.

Systems

FRC Equivalent: Software, Auto, Programming, Coding

The Systems role leads programming the electronic systems of the ROV to accomplish various tasks. This role is broad, including tasks such as Systems Administration, embedded microcontroller programming, GUI Application Development, Computer Vision, networking, and autonomous decision-making. This role also works closely with the Electronics role, helping to implement the logic which connects the different devices onboard.

On the Systems sub-team, you’ll learn a broad set of skills relating to computer systems and programming, and apply them to create better systems for the ROV. You’ll also learn the basics of robotics systems, including basics of topics such as Computer Vision (not offered as an undergraduate course at UCSC).

We recommend the Systems sub-team to those who are interested in learning how to apply their programming skills to robotics using UNIX, OpenCV, and Qt. You’ll also learn embedded programming skills, including working with Arduino and microcontrollers, for integrating software into robotics projects.

Formula 1/10

FRC Equivalent: Auto

In addition to participating in the MATE competition, we also have a branch of our team dedicated to the Formula 1/10 Competition, in collaboration with the Cyber-Physical Systems Research Center (CPSRC). This competition involves programming a miniature race car to drive at top speeds across a track, using technologies such as ML (neural networks) and LIDAR. You’ll learn how to apply different advanced technologies, from computer vision to deep learning.

We recommend joining this division if you’re interested in learning the advanced technologies which drive autonomous robotics, particularly in the context of cars. It also offers an exciting opportunity to learn from graduate students and faculty about technologies used in robotics and control research.

For more information, see the Formula 1/10 Project Page

SOMARS

FRC Equivalent: Auto

In partnership with CITRIS and professor Steve McGuire, we now have a new branch of our team dedicated to autonomous robotics, focusing on autonomous robotics and control challenges for the CITRIS competitions. This gives members an opportunity to compete against other CITRIS teams from UC Berkeley, UC Davis, and UC Merced. This year’s competition, the CITRIS Aviation Prize, will focus on designing and developing a long-range UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle).

We recommend joining this division if you’re interested in autonomous competitions, as well as interacting and learning from faculty and the CITRIS Institute.

For more information, see the SOMARS Project Page

Finance

FRC Equivalent: Business, Outreach

The Finance sub-team manages various aspects of the team, including handling team finances, sourcing sponsorships, interacting with other organizations at UCSC, and making contributions to the future of the team.

On the Finance sub-team, you’ll learn how to lead and manage projects, as well as make contributions to furthering the team’s capabilities and to policy decisions within the team.

Outreach

FRC Equivalent: Outreach

The Outreach sub-team helps to connect the team both to the local campus community, as well as to the surrounding community of Santa Cruz, to help attach students to robotics learning opportunities. Outreach’s goal is to introduce a broad community to robotics and engineering, from K-12 students to other students at Santa Cruz.

On the Outreach sub-team, you’ll work to create projects and events to introduce a broad set of students to robotics.

How to Join

We are no longer accepting members for the 2021-2022 school year. While we would like to continue accepting as many members as possible, it is not feasible to onboard members at this point, due to how far through that process we are. If you would still like to join, and have relevant experience for the above fields, you may contact us from our https://slugbotics.com/contact/ page.