Robotics Team Roles Robotics and Automation Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All Rights Reserved 1

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Robotics Team RolesRobotics and Automation

Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All Rights Reserved

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Goals

Students will understand • the purpose of a team;• the purpose of a robotics team; • the functions of a robotics team;• the roles of a robotics team;• how to create a robotics team; and• how to assign robotics team roles.


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Terms

• Team – a group of people working together.

• Teammate – a person on the same team.

• Teamwork – joint action by a group of people.

• Robotics – the science or technology of robots, their design, and use.


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Purpose of a Team

• A team is a group of people working together.

• A team has a purpose and uses that purpose to contribute to its success.

• A team increases the ability of each teammate to better serve the team by participating in planning, problem solving, and decision making.


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Purpose of a Robotics Team

• Robotics teams teach students about engineering and technology.

• Student teams design, build, and test robots, while learning concepts of math and science.

• Teams have the opportunity to participate in competitions against other student teams.


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Functions of a Robotics Team

Successful robotics teams exhibit flexibility and productivity in the following functions.

Team Functions Definitions

1. Accountability The fact or condition of being accountable; responsible.

2. Clear Goals The process of setting realistic goals based on a person’s skill set and abilities.

3. Communication The process of exchanging information within the team.

4. Collaboration The action of working with a team to produce a robot.

5. Conflict Resolution The process of constructively resolving a disagreement between teammates.

6. Decision Making The action or process of making decisions, especially important ones.

7. Leadership The action of leading a robotics team.

8. Trust The belief in a teammate’s honesty, ability, and reliability.


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Roles on the Robotics Team

Before getting started, assign roles to each teammate on the robotics team. Role assignment ensures that each teammate participates in project activities. You may assign the below roles to the teammates.

Project Manager Technical WriterResearch Scientist Robot Design EngineerComputer Programmer Strategic PlannerQuality Control Specialist


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Creating a Robotics Team

The goal of forming a robotics team is to assign every teammate a role that they want to do and have the skills to do. Review the roles on the robotics team and discuss the interests and strengths of teammates.

Project Manager Technical WriterResearch Scientists Robot Design EngineerComputer Programmer Strategic PlannerQuality Control Specialist


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Assigning Roles on the Robotics Team

Robotics Team Roles Responsibilities Skills RequiredProject Manager • Assigns responsibilities / tasks

• Sets the project schedule • Monitors progress and participation • Leads the practice meetings • Communicates information to the

team

• Strong communication skills • Leadership skills• Organization skills• Efficiency skills• Problem solving skills

Assign the role of Project Manager using these guidelines.


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Robotics Team Roles Responsibilities Skills RequiredTechnical Writer • Documents team progress and

ideas• Keeps track of all materials • Organizes information in a visual aid

• Strong organization skills• Strong writing skills, including the

ability to write quickly • Creative thinking skills• Artistic skills• Observant and detail oriented

Assign the role of Technical Writer using these guidelines.


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Robotics Team Roles Responsibilities Skills RequiredResearch Scientist • Leads team efforts to gather

information and prepare research • Develops project and presentation

• Strong research skills • Strong public speaking skills• Strong organization skills • Creative thinking skills • Interest in space exploration

Assign the role of Research Scientist using these guidelines.


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Robotics Team Roles Responsibilities Skills RequiredRobot Design Engineer • Understands rules about the

robotics project • Leads team on building the robot • Guides ideas for a realistic model • Develops technical presentation

• Strong teamwork skills• Communication skills• Knowledge about robots and how

to build them• Some knowledge of gears and

motors

Assign the role of Robot Design Engineer using these guidelines.


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Robotics Team Roles Responsibilities Skills RequiredComputer Programmer • Understands rules about the

robotics project • Develops all programming code• Develops technical presentation• Works closely with the Computer

Design Engineer and the Strategic Planner

• Strong logic skills• Strong computer skills • Strong teamwork skills• Communication skills• Prior programming experience

Assign the role of Computer Programmer using these guidelines.


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Robotics Team Roles Responsibilities Skills RequiredStrategic Planner • Understands rules about the

robotics project • Develops final plan for project • Works closely with the Computer

Programmer and the Design Engineer• Tests robot and identifies possible

weak points • Recommends improvements

• Strong problem solving skills • Strong communication skills –

especially conveying clear ideas • Strong analytical skills • Teamwork skills • Willingness to learn about

programming and building

Assign the role of Strategic Planner using these guidelines.


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Assigning Roles to the Robotics Team

Robotics Team Roles Responsibilities Skills RequiredQuality Control Specialist • Understands rules about the

robotics project • Develops final team plan• Works closely with the Computer

Programmer and the Design Engineer• Tests robot and identifies possible

weak points • Recommends improvements

• Strong problem solving skills

• Strong communication skills – especially conveying clear ideas• Strong analytical skills • Teamwork skills • Willingness to learn about

programming and building

Assign the role of Quality Control Specialist using these guidelines.


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Assignment

• Are you ready to form your own robotics team?• Do you want to be part of a team that designs and tests a robot?

Begin Assignment: 1. Visit the NASA education website and click the link for Lesson Plans.

Source: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/robotics/home/index2.html2. Form a robotics team.3. Select a robotics project from the NASA website. 4. Decide how the team will function and determine team roles. 5. Prepare a presentation and discuss with your teacher and classmates.
