⯌ History ⯌
ALARM Robotics is proud to be part of Franklin’s history. Our home is the Red Brick Schoolhouse, and we partner with the Franklin Public Library for community outreach.
More about us!
⯌ Our Vision ⯌
To develop the next generation of technologies and technology leaders through real-world hands-on problem solving, with strong mentorship in a positive learning environment.
⯌ Our Mission ⯌
To celebrate teamwork, creativity, dedication, hard work and gracious professionalism;
To provide real world hands on experience in design, engineering, communication, strategy and business in a supportive community of parents, mentors, and technology professionals.
⯌ Our Values ⯌
To our Teammates: We encourage creative thinking and seek differing opinions. We are open-minded, diverse, optimistic and flexible. We are gracious in our candor and honesty. We are loyal, helpful and respectful to all.
To our Communities: We strive to be recognized as a positive influence and a source of pride.
To our Sponsors: We are grateful for your support and are mindful of our responsibility representing your brands.
To our Fellow Team: We consider your success our own and pledge to support you to the best of our ability.
FAQ
What is FIRST Robotics?
FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. Founded by Dean Kamen in 1989, FIRST is a nonprofit that helps young people explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through team-based robotics programs. Students build technical skills, confidence, teamwork, and leadership. ALARM competes in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC).
What is the build season?
The build season is the time students and mentors use to design, build, program, and test the robot for the season’s challenge.
How long is the build season?
The season begins with the January Kickoff. Teams build and refine their robots in preparation for competitions and continue improving them during the competition season, following that year’s rules. The former six-week “Stop Build Day” deadline was discontinued in 2020.
Where are the meetings held?
Our workshop is in the historic Red Brick Schoolhouse at 2 Lincoln Street, Franklin, Massachusetts. Built in 1833, the schoolhouse now houses our tools, equipment, and team workspace. Please contact the team before visiting.
Is it only for aspiring engineers?
No! Many students arrive with no robotics experience. We need your ideas and creativity, whether your interests are in engineering, programming, business, communications, or community outreach.
What are your team values?
We encourage creative thinking and seek different opinions. We are open-minded, diverse, optimistic, and flexible. We are gracious in our candor and honesty, and loyal, helpful, and respectful to all. We strive to be a positive influence and a source of pride in our communities.
How can I get involved?
Reach out through our Contact page to ask about joining, mentoring, volunteering, or arranging a visit. Volunteers help with supplies, food, errands, transportation, fundraising, and finding sponsors. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Who is allowed to join the team?
We welcome high school students from the surrounding area. Contact the team for current enrollment details, including opportunities for eighth-grade students and requirements for competition roles.
What does A.L.A.R.M. stand for?
ALARM stands for “A Lot of Awesome Robot Makers.” We are FIRST Robotics Competition Team 2079.
What is the mission?
We celebrate teamwork, creativity, dedication, hard work, and gracious professionalism. We provide real-world, hands-on experience in design, engineering, communication, strategy, and business in a supportive community of parents, mentors, and technology professionals.
Where are your team members from?
We are a community team based in Franklin, Massachusetts. Our members have come from Attleboro, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, North Attleboro, Plainville, Walpole, Sharon, and Wrentham, as well as Cumberland, Rhode Island.
What type of organization is your team?
ALARM is an independent community robotics team supported by parents, volunteers, and corporate sponsors.
Why do you need sponsors?
Sponsors help cover workshop rent, equipment, robot materials, and competition registration fees. Their support gives students access to hands-on learning and the opportunity to compete. Visit our Sponsors and Donate pages to learn how to help.
What can I get involved in when I join the team?
Students can explore mechanics, programming, logistics, and electrical work. The mechanical team designs and fabricates the robot. Programmers develop the software that controls it. Logistics supports fundraising, organization, and team operations. The electrical team wires the robot and its control systems. Students work with mentors to develop their skills and use workshop equipment safely.
Where are the competitions?
We compete at FIRST events in New England. Event locations and our schedule vary each season; contact the team for the current competition schedule.
When do you meet?
Meeting times vary between the off-season, build season, and competition season. Please contact the team for the current schedule before visiting.
Where is the furthest the team has gone for a competition?
The team has traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, and Houston, Texas, for competition.