Four ideas shape how we compete. Each one is rooted in a thinker who taught us how to do it well — and each one shows up in how we practice, how we build, and how we carry ourselves at tournaments.
01 · The Strategist
THINK
Influenced by Sun Tzu — the ancient strategist who taught that battles are won before they begin.
We study every opponent before we ever drive against them. We track their scoring patterns, their autonomous routines, their weak points. Knowing them — and knowing ourselves — is the difference between a plan and a guess.
In practice
Scout every opponent before a match.
Know your robot’s strengths and weaknesses.
Plan autonomous routines and match strategies based on real data.
02 · The Master of Simplicity
BUILD
Influenced by Miyamoto Musashi — the swordsman who insisted on doing nothing wasted.
If a part doesn’t help us score or defend, it doesn’t belong on the robot. We build exactly what we need and nothing more. Every piece of aluminum, every line of code, every wire earns its place.
In practice
Keep designs simple and purposeful.
Remove parts or code that do not directly help score or defend.
Focus on reliability and efficiency instead of unnecessary complexity.
03 · The Fast Thinker
ADAPT
Influenced by John Boyd — the fighter pilot who showed that the team that cycles faster wins.
See what’s happening. Understand why. Decide what to do. Act on it. When we cycle through this loop faster than our opponent — mid-match, between matches, between tournaments — we control the game.
In practice
During matches, watch the field closely.
Adjust strategy quickly if an opponent changes tactics.
After matches, reflect on what worked and improve for the next round.
04 · The Stoic Leader
LEAD
Influenced by Marcus Aurelius — the emperor who wrote that your own mind is the only thing you truly command.
When the robot fails or a call goes against us, we control what we can control: our preparation, our attitude, our next move. Everything else is noise. Teams that lose their composure lose matches. Teams that hold theirs win even when the day goes sideways.
In practice
Stay calm when the robot malfunctions or a call does not go your way.
Focus on what you can control: preparation, attitude, and teamwork.
Lead with respect and composure, especially under pressure.