What are Subteams?
Pioneer Robotics is run through a series of subteams, each of which contribute to a specific part of the team. At the beginning of the year, members attend what we call ‘Bootcamp’ where they are given an activity by each subteam to allow students a taste of their day to day activities. We take pride in the options that students have when they join the team, as they are able to join and participate in multiple subteams at once if they wish! Without the interconnected web of responsibility, our team would not be able to function.
This page will outline what each of the subteams does, as well as a photo of the subteam in action.
ENGINEERING
Designs made by the design subteam are printed using our 3D printers
DESIGN: The Design subteam focuses on creating 3D models and technical drawings of the robot and its mechanisms. Using Onshape for CAD, they collaborate with other subteams to develop designs that meet the competition's requirements. They ensure the robot’s components are optimized for performance, durability, and manufacturability. The subteam plays a critical role in prototyping, revising designs based on testing feedback, and supporting the Mechanical subteam during the build and assembly process.
Mechanical members spend time in our build space working hand-on to fabricate the robot
MECHANICAL:
The Mechanical subteam is mainly concerned with the physical construction of the robot. The subteam builds and assembles components and mechanisms based on instructions received from the Design subteam. They use power tools to make parts from aluminium and also prototype mechanisms at the start of the year and maintain the robot at competitions.
ELECTRICAL
The Electrical subteam is focussed on making sure that electrical components all function properly. They work with power and information wires, which all of these parts need. While not contributing on the construction of the frame of the robot, this subteam helps during the prototyping process as well as completing the finalised board. These students also work with pneumatic components like pistons and solenoids when they are applicable.
Software members make sure that the robot can function at its fullest during a competition
SOFTWARE
The software team writes the code that controls the robot. We integrate cameras and sensors to react to the robot’s environment, make the mechanisms score points, and program the robot to function autonomously during matches.
BUSINESS
The imagery subteam is responsible for the decoration of our pits, like the one above (from FIM District St. Joseph Event 2025)
IMAGERY
Imagery brings our team spirit to life by designing our merchandise and team products through art and graphic design. This creative team helps to shape our team identity and outreach by creating visual content!
The finance subteam helps to coordinate fundraisers to help the team succeed
FINANCE
Finance is in charge of balancing our team's budget, managing our team expenditures, and saving money from year to year. We also work on contacting companies for sponsorships and grants, and fundraising for the team. All transactions go through our subteam and are approved and logged by us.
Marketing spends their time on outreach events to inspire students to continue in STEM
MARKETING
The Marketing subteam is in charge of the team’s public image. Whether it be social media, fundraisers, our website, recruiting, or helping finance with sponsorships, Marketing helps how the team is seen. We spend the pre-season (between May and December) fundraising and recruiting new members, and in the build season (January through April) we work on the FIRST Impact Award while continuing fundraising for the robot.
Strategy works with the entire team at kickoff events to work through games and establish goals
STRATEGY
The Strategy subteam concerns both strategy to do with specific games and how we how approach other related topics. The subteam works to create game-plans for each competition, come up with a high-level design for the robot, organize scouting (research into other teams), and create alliances with other teams. While the subteam doesn't work on the robot directly, it is still a key part of the team's success.