Robotics

Friends’ Central’s competitive robotics team, the Earthquakers, offers students a collaborative engineering experience rooted in design thinking, creativity, and real-world problem solving. The Earthquakers meet year round, utilizing the tools and equipment in the Center for Innovation and Design. Throughout the fall, students train in technical skills and foundational engineering concepts. During the months of January and February, the team enters a focused eight-week design and fabrication period in which students work together to build and program a robot that competes in a global, sports-like challenge as part of the international FIRST Robotics competition program. The process mirrors professional engineering practice where students engage in research, iterative prototyping, systems thinking, and strategic decision-making while navigating the demands of teamwork and shared responsibility.

Students learn and apply the principles of the engineering design process from prototyping to testing, iteration, and final fabrication. Students develop proficiency in using CAD design software, coding using Java programming language, creating detailed 3D models, managing complex assemblies, and collaborating in real time on shared designs. 

The Earthquakers offer an intentionally interdisciplinary experience. Students contribute across mechanical design, programming, business operations, media, and community outreach. In addition to building the robot, students develop relationships with sponsors, develop fundraising strategies, and create materials that communicate the team’s mission and progress to families, partners, and the broader community. The program cultivates collaboration, communication, project management, and time management, skills essential in any field. Experienced students mentor newer members, fostering leadership and continuity from year to year. Students are challenged to strive for excellence while supporting peers, sharing knowledge, and celebrating the accomplishments of others with the belief that innovation, competition, and kindness can coexist.