FIRST Tech Challenge

Waffle Warriors — Team 5243

We are a student-led robotics team competing in FIRST Tech Challenge. We build robots, run community STEM events, and fuel up with waffles. 🧇

See our season Become a sponsor

About Us

Our Mission

We inspire students to pursue STEM by designing, building, and programming competitive robots, and by serving our community through outreach and mentorship.

What We Do

From CAD and rapid prototyping to Java programming and autonomous navigation, our members learn real engineering skills while having fun as a team.

2024–2025 Season

Build & Competition Timeline

Sep
Kickoff & game analysis
Oct
Prototype subsystems & drive base
Nov
Iterate design; autonomous milestones
Dec–Feb
League Meets & qualifiers
Mar
Championships (if qualified)

Highlights

  • Custom intake and elevator with lightweight design
  • On-bot vision for AprilTags & reliable auto
  • Robust scouting & match strategy

Outreach & Events

STEM Night @ Local MS

Oct 12

Hands-on robot demo and coding activities for future engineers.

Waffles & Bots Fundraiser

Nov 3

A delicious way to support our season — waffles made by the team!

Holiday Toy Drive

Dec 8

Partnering with local non-profits to give back to our community.

Meet the Team

First Last

Role • Subteam

First Last

Role • Subteam

First Last

Role • Subteam

Our Robot

Subsystems

  • Drive: 6-wheel West Coast drive
  • Intake: compliant wheels with guide rails
  • Lifting: 2-stage elevator with belt
  • Endgame: reliable climb & park

Software

  • Road Runner path planning
  • AprilTag localization & camera pipeline
  • Command-based architecture in Java

Sponsors

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Interested in supporting FTC 5243? Contact us to receive our sponsorship packet.

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