FIRST Tech Challenge · Team 25619 · Mandeville, Louisiana
Engineering Excellence. Community Impact.
- Season
- BIOBUZZ
- Robot
- In design
- Next up
- In 3 daysFamily Learning Night @ MES
- 2025–2026 Worlds
- Jackson #17
The Robot
Meet DRAKOS
DRAKOS is named for the serpent — its defining feature is an S-shaped channel that curves artifacts from the intake directly into the flywheel, minimizing turnaround time between collecting and scoring. A servo-driven hood, Limelight-guided PID control, and a state-machine controller allow consistent multi-shot bursts from any field position without driver micro-management.
- 29 lbs
- 17.5" × 16.9"
- Holonomic Mecanum — Swyft Drive V2
Engineering Process
How we engineer
Every decision — including the ones we reject — is documented, so the reasoning behind the robot is traceable.
- 01
Ask
Identify the need and constraints. Used our COB strategy at the start of the season to define priorities and guide game strategy decisions.
- 02
Imagine
Investigate the problem. Analyzed risks, constraints, and gameplay challenges to inform design decisions.
- 03
Make a Plan
Select a promising solution. Developed concepts using CAD and hand-drawn designs to evaluate potential solutions.
- 04
Create
Build a prototype. Built iterative prototypes beginning with cardboard, progressing to 3D-printed parts, and refining into final designs.
- 05
Test
Evaluate the prototype. Tested prototypes in game-like conditions to measure consistency, efficiency, and performance.
- 06
Improve
Redesign as needed. Refined designs through repeated iterations, using testing data to drive continuous improvement.
Having a detailed process allows us to sustain effective prototyping and testing periods. Each year we start with a COB strategy session — identifying what is Critical, Optional, and Bypass — to create a game strategy before touching any tools. Every decision, including ones we reject, is documented in the engineering notebook with the reasoning, giving us a traceable record and helping new members understand why the robot looks the way it does.
2026–2027 · BIOBUZZ
This season
2025–2026
DECODE
- Record
- 23-5-0
- Events
- 4
Jackson Division #17 at Worlds
Outreach & Impact
What we do off the field
835 people reached across 7 events this season.
- 3days away
Family Learning Night @ MES
October 21, 2026 · Mandeville Elementary School
We will host a STEM Night at Mandeville Elementary School (MES).
Expecting around 300 people
- 26days away
PES Out of this World STEAM Night
November 13, 2026 · Pontchartrain Elementary School
...
Expecting around 125 people
- 200People reached
NOLA STEM Fest
March 28, 2026 · New Orleans, LA
Represented Nova Pyra at the New Orleans STEM Festival alongside FIRST and other FTC teams. Developed new connections across the engineering and robotics community, and shared our story to broaden awareness of FIRST in the region.
- 60People reached
FTC Scrimmage
February 20, 2026 · Louisiana
Participated in mock-game matches with 3 other FTC teams before State Championship. Collaborated on game strategy and engineering process, and practiced driver skills in a competitive environment. Also collaborated with FTC 6448 Jesuit Blue Jays on engineering and judging strategies.
- 30People reached
Visited DDG & Intralox
November 21, 2025 · Louisiana
Toured DDG and Intralox engineering facilities to learn about real-world engineering processes and STEM career opportunities. The visit strengthened our connection with DDG — now one of our key sponsors — and gave team members direct exposure to professional engineering environments.
LATM/LSTA Teacher Convention
November 6, 2025 · Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Attended the Louisiana teacher convention to discuss mentoring opportunities with STEM-specialized educators. Strengthened the FIRST Pipeline by connecting with teachers across Louisiana who can introduce robotics to their students.
80 people reached
Trophy Case
Awards
- World Championship
Design Award — 3rd Place
FIRST Championship
2025–2026 Decode
- State
Innovate Award — Winning Alliance Captain
FTC Louisiana Regional Championship
2025–2026 Decode
- State
Think Award — Louisiana State Champions
FTC Louisiana Regional Championship
2024–2025 Into the Deep
- Qualifier
Sustain Award
FTC Louisiana Qualifier 3 — Baton Rouge
2025–2026 Decode
- Qualifier
Innovate Award sponsored by RTX
FTC Louisiana Qualifier 2 — Walker
2024–2025 Into the Deep
- Qualifier
Innovate Award sponsored by RTX
FTC Louisiana Qualifier 1 — Slidell
2025–2026 Decode
- Qualifier
Innovate Award sponsored by RTX
FTC Louisiana Qualifier 1 — Hammond Crossroads
2024–2025 Into the Deep
Our Sponsors
Built by our community
26 sponsors fund our parts, travel, and the outreach we run across St. Tammany Parish. Every tier — from $1 to $1,000+ — puts a student in front of a robot.
Become a SponsorSee everyone who supports us