The premier robotics competition team Dawgma is coming up on its twentieth anniversary. Two decades in, the team is going strong, as they train, compete, and connect with the broader community. Last month, Dawgma went to the Mid-Atlantic District Championships for the first time in team history. But how did the team get to where it is today?
Each season begins with training. Dawgma comprises four parts, or “Aspects.” Each works to create an effective, more broadly cohesive team. There’s the Mechanical Aspect, which operates and tinkers with the robot, requiring extensive training in power and hand tools; Control Systems, which helps direct the behavior of the robot itself, requiring in-depth knowledge of Java programming and wiring expertise; Scouting and Strategy, which updates the WatchDawg app and reviews the rules of competition, necessitating skill in Excel and similar platforms; and Media and Recognitions, which handles Dawgma’s social media, publicity, and general outreach, needing the ability to use graphic design software and create effective media content. Each aspect is highly specialized in what it does and requires a special set of skills for prospective members. This year, Dawgma instituted changes in the training schedule to help expedite the process and improve the club. Control Systems Officer Finn Gilligan ’26 reports, “This year, we’ve tried to make a more structured curriculum to improve new member training and make it easier to work around some members not being able to make it to every meeting.”
Next comes their build season—the actual process of building and refining the robot, which begins in January when the team finds out the robotics challenge they’re facing. Gilligan continues, “For build season, we decided to make a robot that would be very good at one thing, making it easier to focus on what we needed to get done instead of having conflicting priorities… if we attempted to make our robot do everything.” During the build season, Dawgma’s schedule gets more and more rigorous. As noted by Media Recognitions member Jesse Barlev ’26, “On Tuesdays and Thursdays during Build Season, we’ll start meeting until 8:00 or 8:30. We’ll meet on Saturday too, for hours at a time.” It’s a schedule like this that makes Dawgma one of the most time-intensive LM activities. But what does all this work build toward?
Every spring, Dawgma begins its competition season. This year, Dawgma competed at Bensalem Township High School, Seneca High School, and eventually, in their district championship at Lehigh University. This year was notable in so far as the team were finalists in their qualifying matches, a rare feat.
Dawgma does more than compete, though. In addition to its participation in robotics competitions, Dawgma also involves itself in the broader LM community. During the summers, for instance, the organization hosts a camp for grades 4-6, which centers on technology problem-solving and learning the fundamentals of engineering design. In addition, Dawgma partners with the JCHAI, or Judith Creek Homes for Adult Independence, by offering classes that help teach robotics skills to adults with developmental disabilities. It’s efforts like these that take Dawgma beyond just an ordinary team and help connect with the LM community more broadly.
Ultimately, the Mid-Atlantic championship didn’t go as the team had hoped. The team won’t be able to go to the ultimate championship, which is held in Texas this year. But the team remains undeterred and will be back stronger than ever next competition season. As Barlev says, “We’re going into the off-season inspired. I know we’re ready to get over the hump come next year.” Dawgma’s 20 years of experience and competition have led them to new heights this season, with the next season brimming with possibility.
