Raise3D, a leading manufacturer of 3D printers, proudly sponsored FIRST Tech Challenge Team 11212, The Clueless, at the 2024 FIRST World Championships in Houston. Team Clueless, based out of San Diego, California is composed of 14 passionate students from four local high schools. Since their inception in 2016 in the FIRST LEGO League (FLL), they have continued to grow and excel within the FIRST community. The Clueless qualified five times for the FIRST World Robotics Championship, following their winning alliance finished at the San Diego Regional Competition, where they set a world record with 416 points.
Raise3D sponsored FIRST Tech Challenge Team 11212, The Clueless
The sponsorship provided the team with access to Raise3D printed parts using a variety of Hyper Speed and Hyper Core filaments, enabling them to produce essential parts and components for their robot before the San Diego Regional Championship. Raise3D also provided a Pro3 Plus printer with a Hyper Speed Kit upgrade at The Clueless booth in the World Championship, so any teams attending the tournament could use it to print spare parts during the competition.
Raise3D Pro3 Plus printer with a Hyper Speed Kit upgrade at The Clueless booth
Navigating the Competition
The FIRST World Robotics Championships required participants to build a robot capable of performing specific objectives. For the 2024 FIRST Tech Challenge competition, teams needed to design robots that could pick up hexagonal-shaped game elements and place them on an angled backdrop. This challenge demanded high speed navigation, precision arm control, and reliable hardware and software design, necessitating high-quality, custom parts that could be rapidly iterated and adjusted.
The Clueless teams needed to design robots
Rising to the Challenge with Raise3D
Raise3D printed parts with Hyper Core composite filaments played a crucial role in The Clueless’s preparation and performance at the competition. The team’s use of advanced 3D printing technology allowed them to rapidly prototype and produce custom robotics components in their iteration-based design strategy.
Alex Battikha, the mechanical captain, detailed the technical advantages provided by Raise3D: “We manage computer-aided design, 3D printing parts, CNC, and assembly of all components to make the subsystems. The Pro3 Plus allowed us to print components that met our structural requirements, like our deposit arm and hanging system, with materials such as Hyper Speed ABS and Hyper Core carbon fiber.”
Hudson Kim, the software captain, highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation within the team: “My job is to manage the software team, program, and test the robot. The ability to quickly iterate on our designs with 3D printing has been a game-changer.”
Fiona Ruan, the outreach captain on the team, expressed her excitement about the competition and the support from Raise3D: “Being here at Worlds is awesome, and it’s amazing to have the support from Raise3D. Their printer has been crucial in helping us build our robot.”
3D printing technology allowed to rapidly prototype and produce custom robotics components
Collaborating Toward Success
The Clueless 11212 utilized the Pro3 Plus Printer for various components of their robot. Their Active Intake system, made from flexible TPU, was a standout feature. The team printed custom parts for the deposit arm and the hanging system, ensuring the robot was both robust and functional. This iterative process involved multiple versions, extensive testing, and continuous improvements.
During the competition, The Clueless 11212 extended their support to other teams by sharing the Pro3 Plus Printer. This generosity fostered a spirit of collaboration and community within the event. “We’re allowing other teams to come to us for printing parts,” Alex mentioned. “Raise3D’s sponsorship enabled us to provide this service, helping teams who didn’t bring spare parts.”
The team printed custom parts for the deposit arm and the hanging system
Celebrating a World Championship Winning Alliance
The partnership with Raise3D culminated in significant achievements for The Clueless in the 2024 FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship, including:
- World Championship Winning Alliance
- Franklin Division Inspire Award Winner
- Franklin Division Winning Alliance
The partnership with Raise3D culminated in significant achievements for the Clueless
Inspiring Future Innovators
Raise3D’s support and advanced 3D printing technology were instrumental in The Clueless’s success at the 2024 FIRST World Robotics Championship in Houston. This case study exemplifies how cutting-edge tools and collaborative partnerships can empower young innovators to achieve remarkable feats. Raise3D is honored to have played a part in The Clueless’s journey and remains committed to supporting educational initiatives that inspire the next generation of engineers and creators.
Raise3D is honored to have played a part in The Clueless’s journey
