Planetary DriveRobotics / 2856
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JOIN PLANETARY DRIVE

Join Team 2856.

Planetary Drive welcomes Fayette County high-school students interested in engineering, programming, business, or outreach. No previous robotics experience is required.

Join the member Discord Ask a question
Planetary Drive students inspecting and repairing their competition robot

WHO CAN JOIN?

No prior robotics experience required.

If you are an FCPS high-school student, there is a place to start. Prior Java, CAD, shop, or robotics experience is welcome, but none is required. What matters is showing up ready to learn, ask questions, and contribute.

Open to FCPS students

High-school students across Fayette County Public Schools are welcome.

Learn from the beginning

Previous programming, CAD, shop, or robotics experience is not required.

Build with a real team

Students work alongside one another with guidance from mentors.

FOUR WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE

Choose where you want to contribute.

Programming, electromechanical, business, and outreach students work together throughout the season. Start with the work that interests you and learn across groups as projects overlap.

01

Programming

Write and test the software that makes the robot respond to drivers, sensors, and the game around it.

  • Learn Java and the WPILib robotics library
  • Test, debug, and maintain code on the real robot
  • Work with the build team as mechanisms change
02

Electromechanical

Turn ideas and CAD into a machine through fabrication, assembly, wiring, and careful iteration in the workshop.

  • Design and fabricate robot mechanisms
  • Build mechanical and electrical systems safely
  • Diagnose problems and improve the robot through testing
03

Business

Keep the season organized through budgeting, purchasing, travel planning, sponsor relationships, and team operations.

  • Help plan budgets, purchases, registration, and travel
  • Prepare sponsor materials and maintain partner relationships
  • Learn project management and professional communication
04

Outreach

Share the team's work through school and community events, media, demonstrations, and student recruitment.

  • Plan demonstrations and community events
  • Create team photos, video, social updates, and printed materials
  • Help new students and visitors understand FIRST Robotics

MENTOR WITH US

Mentors teach, supervise, and keep projects moving.

Mentors guide students through programming, design, fabrication, and problem-solving. They also help maintain safe workshop practices and support the organization that keeps a season moving.

Ask about mentoring

BUILD-SEASON MEETINGS

Meet at Newton's Attic.

Most build-season meetings are held at Newton's Attic in Lexington. The hours below are the team's typical schedule, not a guarantee—plans can change as the season and robot change.

Newton's Attic4974 Old Versailles Road, Lexington, KY 40510
Monday · Wednesday · Friday
4–9 PM
Saturday
10 AM–4 PM

Confirm the current meeting time in Discord before traveling. Members do not need to attend every minute, but regular participation matters—especially for competition travel.

Check Discord
The wood and metal workshop at Newton's Attic where Planetary Drive often meets
NEWTON'S ATTICTYPICAL BUILD-SEASON WORKSPACE

OPTIONAL, NOT REQUIRED

Resources for learning before a meeting.

There is no homework for joining. If you want a preview, these are useful places to explore how FRC hardware and software fit together.

YOUR FIRST STEP

Join the member Discord for current meeting details.

Use Discord for the latest meeting details, or send us a message at planetarydrive2856@gmail.com.

Join the member Discord Contact Team 2856