VEX Robotics — Team 33538A
VRC • 2021–2023 Top-5 Event Finish
Across two seasons I helped design, build, and iterate a competition robot for the VEX Robotics Competition. Under immense time crunches, we focused on reliability, fast cycles, and simple but effective mechanisms. Our best event result was a Top-5 finish, and the process taught me how to prototype quickly, debug under pressure, and lead within a small multi-disciplinary team.
Role
- • Mechanical design & prototyping
- • Drive base & intake iterations
- • Match-day pit support & repairs
Focus Areas
- • Fast cycles & consistent scoring
- • Weight distribution & traction
- • Simple, serviceable mechanisms
Team
- • Coordinated build & programming
- • Testing sessions & driver practice
- • Competition strategy & scouting
From idea → consistent bot
We started with basic prototypes to validate drive base geometry, wheel choice, and weight balance. Once we had a predictable chassis, we iterated the intake and scoring mechanisms, always trimming complexity and reducing failure points. The robot evolved from a workable prototype to a consistent scorer that was easy to service between matches.
I owned a lot of the mechanical iteration work and match-day pit responsibilities — quick swaps, tightening, and diagnosing issues under time pressure. Those repetitions taught me practical engineering: the best design is the one the driver can trust and the pit crew can repair in two minutes.
“The best design is the one the driver can trust and the pit crew can repair in two minutes.”
2021
- • Joined VEX; learned subsystem trade-offs
- • Built first drive base & intake prototypes
- • Began driver practice & match flow
2022
- • Major redesign of chassis & intake
- • Improved traction and center of gravity
- • Achieved consistent match cycles
2023
Top-5 Finish- • Refined serviceability & cable management
- • Competition troubleshooting & pit ops
- • Top-5 event finish (Team 33538A)