Engineering isn't just about the metal. Honestly, if you walk into a garage where a high-tier FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team is working, the first thing you’ll notice isn't the smell of burnt grease or the sound of a CNC mill. It’s the sheer intensity of the arguments. People think robotics is a quiet, clinical pursuit for "math kids." It's not. It's a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled sprint where a loose set screw at 2:00 PM on a Saturday can ruin six months of 80-hour work weeks.
That’s the reality for the OverClucked Bots, officially known in the FIRST circuit as Team 11228. Based out of Michigan—a state that treats high school robotics with the same fervor Texas treats Friday night football—this team has carved out a reputation for being terrifyingly efficient.
But who are the actual humans behind the 11228 branding?
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The Core DNA of OverClucked Bots Team Members
You can’t just "join" a team like this and expect to coast. The roster is a mix of tactical specialists and generalists who are basically comfortable living out of a toolbox. While the specific names shift as seniors graduate and middle schoolers move up, the roles remain remarkably consistent.
The Builders (The "Hardware" Souls)
The builders are the ones with the perpetually dirty fingernails. In the 2024-2025 season, the team leaned heavily on a modular "car hood turret" design. If you've ever seen their DECODE robot, you know what I’m talking about. It’s a beast.
The team members on the hardware side focus on:
- Rapid Prototyping: They don’t wait for a perfect CAD model. They cut wood, they use cardboard, and they iterate.
- Drivetrain Reliability: In Michigan, if your robot can’t handle a hit, you’re done. The builders ensure the chassis can take a beating from heavy-defense teams.
- Weight Management: Every ounce counts. Members spend hours drilling "speed holes" just to stay under the 42-pound limit.
The Programmers (The Logic Architects)
If the builders give the robot a body, the programmers give it a brain. OverClucked Bots is famous for its autonomous period. Watching their robot navigate the field without human input is sort of like watching a choreographed dance.
They use Java, primarily, but it’s the implementation of sensors—IMUs, distance sensors, and computer vision—that sets the team members apart. They aren't just writing code; they’re accounting for the friction of the foam tiles and the inevitable battery voltage drop.
The Notebookers and Strategists
This is the part people get wrong. You think it’s all about the bot? Wrong.
The Engineering Notebook is the "black box" of the team. Team members dedicated to documentation are basically technical writers and historians. They track every failure. If a gear stripped in Week 3, it’s in the book. Why? Because the judges want to see the journey, not just the trophy.
What Sets 11228 Apart in the Michigan Circuit?
Michigan is the "Final Boss" of robotics. With over 600 FTC teams in the state, the competition is brutal. OverClucked Bots doesn't just survive here; they lead.
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I was looking at their recent stats from the Kentwood and Fruitport qualifiers. They aren't just winning; they’re often the ones captaining the winning alliances. That takes a specific kind of team member—one who is a "Scout."
Scouting is the secret sauce. Team members sit in the stands for eight hours straight, recording every single move of every other robot.
- Does Team X’s intake jam when they hit the wall?
- Can Team Y score in the high junction consistently?
When alliance selection starts, the OverClucked Bots members aren't guessing. They have a spreadsheet that would make a Wall Street analyst weep.
The "Behind the Bot" Culture
There’s a video from Behind the Bot that features the team’s modular turret. What’s striking isn't the engineering—it’s how the members talk. There’s no ego. If a junior member has a better idea for a cable management solution, the seniors listen.
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They’ve implemented a "car hood" style opening for their robot. This allows them to fix internal wiring in seconds rather than minutes. That kind of design thinking only happens when team members are allowed to fail fast.
Why You’ve Probably Heard of Them
They aren't just local heroes. The OverClucked Bots have a habit of popping up in World Record discussions. Their cycle times—the speed at which they can grab a game element and score it—are often the benchmark for the rest of the world.
How to Actually Support (or Join) a Team Like This
Robotics is expensive. Like, "we need a corporate sponsor just to buy screws" expensive. The OverClucked Bots, like many top-tier teams, rely on local Michigan engineering firms and parents to keep the lights on.
If you’re a student looking to be one of the next OverClucked Bots team members, here is the unvarnished truth:
- Learn CAD now. Don't wait. Learn Fusion 360 or Onshape today.
- Master the "Soft" Skills. If you can't explain your code to a judge who isn't a programmer, your code doesn't matter.
- Be Prepared for the Grind. The "Build Season" is a whirlwind. You’ll spend more time with your teammates than your family.
The Actionable Reality
The season moves fast. If you're following the 2025-2026 "Push Back" or "REBUILT" seasons, keep an eye on the Michigan State Championships.
To get involved or follow their progress:
- Check The Blue Alliance or FTC-Events: Look for Team 11228. Check their OPR (Offensive Power Rating). It’s the closest thing we have to a "batting average" in robotics.
- Watch "Behind the Bot" Interviews: This is where the team members actually explain the "why" behind their weirdest design choices.
- Volunteer: If you’re an adult, these teams always need mentors. You don't need to be an engineer; you just need to be able to keep a group of teenagers organized.
At the end of the day, the OverClucked Bots are a testament to what happens when you combine Michigan's industrial heritage with a group of kids who refuse to accept "good enough." They are builders, thinkers, and—occasionally—miracle workers under the glow of pit lights.