We are MakEMinds FTC Team #23786, a dedicated group of high school students from Plainfield, New Jersey, committed to advancing STEM education through robotics. Our mission is to design and build a competitive robot for the 2025 FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) season, utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques to enhance performance and reliability.​

Our project focuses on developing a robot with custom-designed mechanical components, leveraging PCBWay's premium 3D printing and CNC machining services. These services will allow us to create precise and durable parts tailored to our specific design requirements, improving the robot's functionality and efficiency.

Why It Matters:

In the rapidly evolving field of robotics, hands-on experience with designing and implementing custom hardware is invaluable. By undertaking this project, we not only enhance our technical skills but also prepare ourselves for future careers in engineering and technology. Moreover, our work serves as an inspiration to our peers and younger students, demonstrating what is possible through dedication and innovation.​

Technical Skills and Community Outreach:

Our team has a strong foundation in various technical areas including:

Mechanical Design: Utilizing CAD tools to create efficient and robust robot structures.​

3D Printing: Employing PCBWay's services to produce high-quality, custom parts using materials like ABS and nylon, which offer superior mechanical strength and durability.

CNC Machining: Leveraging PCBWay's CNC milling and turning capabilities to fabricate precise metal components, enhancing the robot's structural integrity.

Beyond our technical pursuits, we are committed to community engagement. We conduct workshops and demonstrations at local schools and community centers to promote STEM education and inspire the next generation of innovators.

We are grateful for the opportunity to apply for sponsorship through PCBWay's Non-profit Project Sponsorship program. Your support would directly contribute to our educational journey by providing the resources necessary to design and produce the custom components integral to our project. This partnership would not only enhance our robot's capabilities but also empower us to share our knowledge and experiences with the broader community.​

Thank you for considering our application. We look forward to the possibility of collaborating with PCBWay to bring our vision to life and inspire others through our shared passion for technology and innovation.

• FIRST
• First Tech Challenge
• FTC