Rōnin Robotics Team 7447 consists of 40+ members from Portola High School in Irvine, CA, who participate in FIRST® Robotics Competitions along with thousands of teams and students worldwide. Our team strives to provide real-world engineering experiences through competitive robotics and values a sense of community and teamwork while implementing various innovative techniques to challenge young minds. We hope to inspire and empower students with the skills for them to pursue passions in STEM and become leaders of innovation.

Our Mission

Formed in 2019, Rōnin Robotics is dedicated to providing real-world engineering and FIRST® Robotics experiences within our local community. As a high school team, we offer students the opportunity to explore STEM and robotics through hands-on learning and teamwork. Our goal is to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators with the skills and confidence to pursue their passions and become future leaders in technology.

Our Team Members

Our team members are mostly from Portola High School in our local community. To make contributiosn to our robot efficiently, we are divided into different subteams to contribute to our robot. Each subteam will focus on a different aspect of the robot, such as programming, mechanical, electrical, and design. Students can learn different advanced skills in each subteam, and contribute to the robot with collaboration and teamwork.

Mechanical Engineering Team

The mechanical team is responsible for building and assembling the robot’s structural and moving parts. From the drivetrain to the intake and scoring mechanisms, they turn designs into functional components through hands-on fabrication and testing. They collaborated with the CAD team closely to ensure precise part integration. Members learn how to use tools, work with different materials, and ensure the robot is competition-ready. They also need to conduct repairs, maintenance, and upgrades throughout the season to keep the robot in top condition.

Electronics and Electrical Engineering Team

The electronics team handles all wiring, power distribution, and electrical components on the robot. They install motor controllers, sensors, and the RoboRIO, ensuring that everything is safely and cleanly connected. Members learn to troubleshoot hardware issues and keep the robot running reliably during matches. Their work is critical to linking hardware and software together. They also need to maintain the electrical board and resolve hardware issues during competitions.

Programming and Software Team

The programming team is responsible for the software of the robot. They write the code that makes the robot function. Using Java and tools including WPILib, they develop autonomous plans, teleoperated control systems, and integrate feedback from sensors. They collaborate closely with mechanical and electronics teams to test and refine robot behavior. Members also learn software development practices and real-world problem solving through iteration and debugging.

Design and CAD Team

The CAD and Design team creates digital 3D models of the robot using professional software. These designs guide the mechanical team during fabrication and help prevent issues before building begins. They’re responsible for ensuring precision and compatibility between all subsystems. Members gain experience in design thinking, geometry, and translating concepts into build-ready plans.

Business Team

The Social Media and Business team manages the team’s branding, community outreach, and sponsor relations. They run social media accounts, create content, and help tell the story of Rōnin Robotics. On the business side, they assist with fundraising, grant writing, and organizing team events. Their work helps sustain the team financially and build connections beyond robotics.