For the 2024 season, Crescendo, Eruption was our solution to the challenge.

Named due to both the way the robot shoots the game "Notes" and as a musical reference to the song "Eruption" by Van Halen.

Check out our reveal video here: Zero Gravity FRC 2180 - Reveal Video 2024 - "ERUPTION" (youtube.com) 

Special Features:

• Zero Gravity's first attempt at Swerve Drive.

• Our first year truly utilizing the Limelight for vision tracking, auto align/aim, and Path Planner.

• Under bumper roller intake.

• Flat belt conveyor system.

  • Beam break sensors programmed to addressable RGB strips for visual cues.

• Dual spinning flywheel shooter with elevation adjustment.

• Pneumatic climber with chain slot hooks.

• Note "slide" for Amp usage.

Side Note: Based on our performance this season, we believe this is the sturdiest robot we've built to date.

For the 2023 season, Charged Up, Redo was our solution to the challenge.

Jokingly named after the amount of times we had to "redo" certain systems of this bot.

Special Features:

• Extendable linkage arm that was capable of holding the claw level at most heights.

• Spinning intake claw, capable of grasping the cones and cubes, while also being able to shoot them out in needed.

• Disc Brakes mounted to the drivetrain to hold our position during endgame.

  • Inspired by our 2012 robot, Guppy.

For the 2022 season, Rapid React, Rattler was our solution to the challenge.

Named due to the amount of rattling this robot made from drilled rivets & lost bolts trapped in the sides of the drivetrain.

Special Features:

• Rotating conveyor / shooter system that was capable of storing 2 pieces.

• Self-centering intake to the conveyor.

• Drive on climbing system, capable of lifting onto the first 2 bars.

• Open belly pan design for easier maintenance access.

  • Fabric cover that rose and fell with the shooter to protect electronics from field pieces.

For the 2020 season, Infinite Recharge, Lemon Zest was our solution to the challenge.

Named after the amount of yellow that shed on the bot from the balls that were being used this season.

Special features:

• Self-centering multiball intake and conveyor.

• Fixed shooting angle with flywheel.

• Side spinner with color censor.

For the 2018 season, Power Up, Scorpion was our solution to the challenge.

Named because of the way the robot looks when the intake flips down.

Special Features:

• Spring loaded roller claws for cube pickup.

• Vulcan Spring / cable winch elevator for reaching the high goal.

• Open rear design for easy maintenance.

For the 2017 season, Steamworks, this was our solution to the challenge.

The reason for the name is not remembered.

Special Features:

• Hopper and conveyor with shooter for the game "fuel".

• Rotating tray for gear pickup and release.

• Spinning Dual Lock bar used to climb marine rope for endgame. 

For the 2016 season, Stronghold, Guppy 2.0 was our solution to the challenge.

Inspired by our 2012 robot, Guppy.

Special Features:

• Roller wheels used to move over certain field obstacles.

• Pneumatic wheels to climb over set bumps in the field.

• Flywheel shooter for scoring.

• Long bar for climbing.

For the 2015 season, Recycle Rush, Crater was our solution to the challenge.

Jokingly named after the number of holes that we drilled in order to reduce weight on the arm.

Special Features:

• Screw lift to raise the arm.

• Screw adjustable claw for tote pickup.

• 12V leaf blower for moving the noodles on the field.

For the 2014 season, Aerial Assist, Avalanche was our solution to the challenge.

The reason for the name is not remembered.

This robot has a special place on our team for its design and performance during the season. Thanks to it and our drivers, we were qualified to compete at the World Championship in St. Louis, MO again.

Special Features:

• "Hood" design, where the top and bottom halves can open like a car hood or separate completely for maintenance & battery change.

• Rubber tubing, bike rim, and paracord used for catapulting the ball.

• Ratcheting tow strap winch with pneumatic release.

For the 2013 season, Ultimate Ascent, this was our solution to the challenge.

Unfortunately, the original name of this robot has been lost in time.

Special Features:

• 2-layer hopper / shooter for ease of moving the frisbees.

  • Dual pneumatic flywheel design.

  • Can also adjust its angle via a screw.

• Netted side panel with vertical extension for additional defense.

• Internal 4-corner elevator.

For the 2012 season, Rebound Rumble, Guppy was our solution to the challenge.

Named after one of our team captains via his nickname.

This robot has a special place on our team for its design and performance during the season. Thanks to it and our drivers, we were qualified to compete at the World Championship in St. Louis, MO.

Special Features:

• Large pneumatic wheels for getting over the field bump.

• Fold down arm & slope for pushing the balance board down.

• Fixed flywheel with screw adjustable cover for different height shooting.

For the 2011 season, Logo Motion, Penguin-Bot was our solution to the challenge.

The reason for the name is not remembered.

Special Features:

• 2 post, multi-stage elevator.

• Rotating "penguin body" for placing the inflatable elements.

• "Flipper to Beak" claw design for picking up the elements.

• Slot for minibot endgame race (not pictured).

Our final robot is one we previously designed, built, and maintained:

Robo-Willie.

This bot was used in partnership with the MCIA (Mercer County Improvement Authority) as a tool to teach children the importance of recycling. 

Multiple times during the year we would bring him to our own community event, and even the regional championships, to teach. The rest of the time the MCIA would bring him around to schools and events around our county.

Unfortunately, Robo-Willie is no longer with us, but the times with our team will never be forgotten.

Special Features:

• Remote controlled wheelchair base for movement.

• Video screen for USB video and music.

• Wireless mic for interacting with the children.

• Rotating arm with cup for "recycling" the bottle into his head.

• LED side scrolling panels for digital messages.