Melbourne RoboCats Mentorship

Mentored an all-girls high-school team (Melbourne RoboCats) in the design and implementation of FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) robot software and electrical systems. The focus of the season was building confidence in embedded programming on the NI RoboRIO using WPILib (C++), while teaching students how to think like control-systems engineers rather than just writing code.

Photo by Kevin Chen

We started with fundamentals: explaining how the RoboRIO, power distribution hub, motor controllers, and sensors formed a complete electro-mechanical system. Together we designed a control-system architecture that separated autonomous logic, tele-operated control, subsystem control (drive, intake, shooter, climber), and shared utilities. Students learned how to structure code into reusable components and how to map game requirements into concrete software features.

On the embedded side, I guided students through motor control using WPILib, including configuring CAN-based motor controllers, setting current limits, and managing neutral modes. We integrated encoders, gyroscopes, and limit switches to provide feedback for closed-loop control and to prevent mechanical over-travel. Students implemented drive algorithms, mechanism control, and safety interlocks that respected FRC rules and protected hardware.

Photo by Kevin Chen

A major milestone was developing autonomous routines. I worked with the team to break down the field into coordinates and paths, then translate those into sequences of commands combining sensor feedback and timed actions. We used telemetry and dashboards to visualize sensor data in real-time, diagnose issues, and tune parameters such as PID gains, motion profiles, and timing offsets.

Electrically, we focused heavily on safe and reliable wiring practices: correct gauge selection, fuse and breaker usage, grounding, and signal integrity for CAN and sensor lines. Students learned how to design clean wiring layouts, label connections, and systematically debug issues like brownouts, intermittent CAN faults, or noisy sensor signals.

Photo by Kevin Chen

Throughout the season, I emphasized iterative development: write a small feature, test it on the robot, inspect the behaviour, and refine. We used this loop to improve drivability, reduce mechanical stress, and make the robot more forgiving for drivers under competition pressure. The students also presented their work, explaining control strategies and electrical design decisions to judges and mentors.

Photo by Kevin Chen

By the end of the season, the Melbourne RoboCats were independently extending the codebase, safely modifying electrical systems, and using telemetry to debug and optimize performance. The project not only produced a competitive FRC robot but also gave the students hands-on experience with real-world embedded systems, control theory, and collaborative engineering in a high-pressure, time-bounded environment.

Photo by Kevin Chen