FRC 4481 Team Rembrandts | 2025 Build Thread | Open Alliance

Welcome to the Team Rembrandts 2025 Build Thread, presented by openalliance!

We’re back for another thrilling year with the Open Alliance, and 2025 is going to be bigger, better, and louder! Just like last year, we are pushing the boundaries, sharing our knowledge, and making sure to bring you along for every step of our journey.

Every Thursday until kick-off, we’ll continue the tradition of highlighting one off-season project from each of our departments. But before diving in, let’s set the stage with some background information about our team and what we’ve been working on.

What is Team Rembrandts?

Team Rembrandts is an FRC team based in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, and our structure is a bit unique compared to the average US team. Rather than parting ways with students after high school, we keep our alumni engaged through university, helping them transition into capable mentors.

This philosophy, while fantastic in theory, brings some challenges. Maintaining the right balance between students, supports, and mentors, plus managing this “in-between” support layer, requires careful planning. Since 2019, we’ve been actively restructuring our team, and it’s been paying off. Since 2022, we secured our very own build location, formed more stable partnerships, and saw a steady influx of high school students. This off-season, we’ve continued improving, with a major focus on restructuring our team and refining our goals for 2025.

Team Structure

This year, we’ve introduced several updates to how our team is organized. The departments for Hardware, Controls, and Strategy will remain the same in terms of structure, but we’ve added a new department: Business and Media. This department brings together existing sub-departments like Business Development and Media & Branding.

The Resources department has been replaced by a new Projects structure. Projects can range from large-scale efforts like Open Alliance and Travel and Logistics, to smaller projects like Team Weekend and Organizing Chores. Sub-departments like Awards and Outreach have now been integrated as dedicated projects under this structure.

We’re also implementing a graduation process at the end of each season, where team members over 18 will transition out of the student roles to help maintain a focus on student development. However, graduation doesn’t mean leaving the team—it’s a chance to set personal goals and take on more responsibility, working closely with the department and team managers to define their future role.

What can you expect from us?

Every Thursday until the build season starts, we’ll share weekly highlights from different departments. And once build season is underway, we’ll ramp up our updates, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at our robot’s development, multiple times a week!

Meet Our Presenters: :fire: and :mango:

We’re also thrilled to announce that this season, we have two awesome presenters who will guide you through our major updates and announce exciting topics throughout the season. They’re called :fire: Fire and :mango: Mango, and they’re ready to bring the heat (pun intended) and the fun!

Coordinated by: Presented by:
@Bjorn - Chief Editor & Lead 3DM @Feije.vandenBerg - Fire :fire:
@MilanKoenen - Mango :mango:

Follow us

4481 Instagram 4481 YouTube 4481 LinkedIn 4481 Facebook 4481 GrabCAD 4481 Github
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One of my favorite threads! Can’t wait to see what you guys do this season!

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Learned a lot from following this build thread last year, looking forward to see what you guys put out this year!

We’re weighing buying cat tongue tape this upcoming season, how often did you guys need to replace the tape on your shooter?

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Hey @Manish_R,

When applied properly, you don’t have to replace it often.
However, when used in high stress situations, you might need to replace it more often than we have during last season.

Last season, We didn’t have to replace it during competition. Only refreshed it twice at our shop when we built a new version of our shooter.

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200w

Best thread is back for another year

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This thread and 6328’s are my favorites from last year, which made it all the more hype when they collaborated on einstein.

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Can’t wait to see what you’ll show this year!

I wanted to ask - do you have a student team captain?

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Thanks for the question @ItayKauf,

Actually, we don’t have a single student team captain. Instead, we have student representatives throughout the team, each focusing on different specialties. This allows everyone to contribute their expertise in their area while still playing a crucial role in our team’s overall success.

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In addition to @Bjorn his answer; looking at our leadership/team structure there is no student majority based on FIRST ruling.

All our department managers and team managers are mentors and have a professional career or are doing their masters degree besides their role within the team. Expect Joris, he’s doing his bachelor mechanical engineering at the technical university.

Within the sub-department leads we only got 1 student which is Gijs K. as business development lead. The others are all university students (non-FRC-students)

We compare our structure with that of a medium small enterprise (MSE) company. Where we put a lot of (multi year) responsibility at our leads and department managers. We aim for consistent growth as a team as a whole. Putting this in the hands of a more unexperienced younger student can be quite challenging.

We do give our student a lot of responsibilities within the sub-departments where they can take on a certain project within the boundaries and context of that sub-department.

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A very interesting approach, thanks for sharing in details’

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What should be the First Topic on our Build Thread?

We just launched our 2025 build thread, and we need your help to choose the first topic! What are you most interested in seeing? Let us know by voting below:

  • Strategy Factory (student skills program)
  • Renewed 3DM Kick-off planning
  • 2025 Driver practice
  • New Software Architecture
  • Vision using Orange PI’s
  • Improved Path Following Algorithm
  • Renewed Hardware skills class program
  • “Bring in the Dutch” Video Series
  • First EU FRC Kick-off
  • Progression on 2026 European off season event
0 voters

The most voted topic will be posted this Thursday at 11:00 am EST!

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:joystick: Team Rembrandts Driver Practice 2025

As we kick off the 2025 preseason, driver practice remains one of the most important elements to keep us competitive, and we’re excited to announce that @Ryanvdaa is stepping up as our new Gameplay Lead! Ryan has planned a variety of sessions, with a focus on giving every interested student a shot at the driver’s seat during pre-season practice. We’re starting with a diverse range of exercises that will help refine both driving technique and strategic gameplay. :video_game:

Pre-Season Practice Focus

Our early practice sessions are all about building fundamental skills through diverse drills. Starting driver practice early is key to ensuring our team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Drivers begin with Driving Cycles :red_car:, where they navigate repeated paths like infinity loops to get comfortable with robot movement and speed control. Next, Driving Accuracy drills :dart: challenge them to maneuver through tight spaces and hit precise targets, helping them develop better control under pressure. We also emphasize Playing Offense/Defense :shield:, where drivers practice in game-like scenarios, switching between offensive and defensive roles. These combined exercises ensure that drivers are not only proficient in basic control but also prepared to handle complex match situations with agility and strategic awareness.

To track their progress, drivers’ scores on various exercises are measured over time :chart_with_upwards_trend:. This allows us to see trends and improvements in key skills, helping us identify strengths and areas for further practice. By monitoring these scores, we can tailor the sessions to each driver’s needs and ensure they’re making steady progress throughout the preseason.

Driver Practice Tips:

  • Focus on getting comfortable controlling the drivetrain: Mastering the basics of driving is crucial. Drivers should first build a solid foundation by familiarizing themselves with the robot’s movement and getting comfortable with the controls.

  • Start slow and smooth, speed up gradually over time: Precision comes before speed! Drivers are encouraged to begin at a slower pace to understand how the robot responds. As they grow more confident, they can gradually increase their speed without sacrificing control.

  • Turning while moving is super important: In real matches, the ability to turn effectively while driving is a game-changer. Practicing this skill helps drivers maneuver smoothly and efficiently, allowing them to keep up with the fast-paced demands of gameplay.

For a deeper dive into effective driver training techniques, check out this video from the 2023 Fall Workshops by 1678:

:clapper: Effective Driver Training in FRC - 2023 Fall Workshops by 1678

Also check out this white paper we wrote in 2022 about Driver Practice (originally written by 2168):

:page_facing_up: Drivers Manual - White Paper by 4481.pdf (5.8 MB)

Example Practice Drills

Infinity Loop with Rotational Control 🔄

Drivers complete a figure-eight loop while keeping the robot’s heading aimed at specific targets (like pawns). This drill enhances control over the robot’s rotation and helps the driver maintain focus on orientation while moving.

Accuracy Drill: Color Targets 🎯

In this drill, the driver practices precision by navigating to specific targets on the field. The driver begins at the starting point and must first drive to the orange pawn located at the end of the paths. After reaching the pawn, the drive coach will call out a color (either “Blue,” “Yellow,” or “Gray”), directing the driver to return to one of the three starting zones marked by that color. The driver must navigate accurately to the indicated colored target and then drive back to the original starting point.

This exercise focuses on improving the driver’s accuracy, responsiveness to coach instructions, and ability to handle quick changes in direction. By practicing this drill, drivers gain better control and are prepared for tasks that require fast adjustments and precise positioning on the field.

image

Offense vs. Defense: Flying Goalie Drill 🥅

In this drill, an offense bot aims to “score” by driving past a defense bot to reach the orange goal. The defense bot actively defends the goal, creating a challenging obstacle for the offense bot. Once the offense bot makes it to the goal, it must quickly return to one of the designated starting positions marked by different colors. The drive coach directs the driver to the specific spot to return to, adding an element of unpredictability to the exercise.

This drill trains drivers to maneuver under defensive pressure, improve their offensive skills, and adapt to changing field positions on the fly.

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Build Season Driver Practice Plans

Once we enter the build season, our focus will shift to game-specific skills, such as intaking game pieces :magnet:, driving cycles :red_car:, and scoring :goal_net:. These exercises will allow drivers to build a strong foundation in the season’s essential tasks and be prepared for the competition. We’ll be sharing another post during build season to showcase the game-specific drills we’re developing to help our drivers master the new game.

We can’t wait to see how this new generation of drivers progresses through the preseason, and we’re excited to watch their skills grow as we gear up for the 2025 season. :rocket:


Written by:
@Bjorn - Chief Editor & Lead 3DM

49 Likes

Strategy Factory :factory:: Where Future Strategists Are Made

Ever wondered how we develop a rock-solid strategy? Enter the Strategy Factory! Designed to help our strategy team level up, the Strategy Factory is a new program where students dive into key skills like Excel, statistics, Python, databases, FRC history, and so much more. With the Strategy Factory, our strategy department stays sharp and ready to tackle any challenges during the season.

Why the Strategy Factory Was Created :chart_with_upwards_trend:

The Strategy Factory emerged from a desire to equip our strategy team with the foundational skills essential for analyzing and planning game strategies. We wanted a structured, fun, and engaging way for students and mentors to gain essential technical skills, explore the FRC landscape, and understand the history of FRC strategies. Through this program, students and mentors don’t just learn new tools, they learn to think like strategists, using data, technology, and historical insights preparing them to develop winning strategies. Additionally, members from other departments are also welcome to follow courses if they are interested.

The moment the Strategy Factory became real...

Skill Levels & Achievement Medals :medal_military:

The Strategy Factory courses are designed with three levels for each skill, ranging from beginner to advanced :bar_chart:. Each level has specific learning objectives and offers a mix of text, video lessons, and exercises. Students advance by completing a test that includes both multiple-choice and open-ended questions, ensuring they’ve mastered the key concepts.

As students progress, they can earn achievement medals:

Bronze Medals :3rd_place_medal:

Awarded for completing beginner achievements like:

Click here to see Bronze Medals 🥉
Achievement Description
:star2: First Milestone Obtained upon completing your first level
:heart_eyes: Data Enthusiast Obtained by reaching level 1 in Excel, Python, and Databases

Silver Medals :2nd_place_medal:

Earned by mastering intermediate level achievements:

Click here to see Silver Medals 🥈
Achievement Description
:fire: Learning Enthusiast Obtained by completing your first 5 levels
:face_with_monocle: Fearless Data Explorer Obtained by reaching level 2 in Excel, Python, and Databases
:zap: Gotta catch 'em all Obtained level 1 in each skill

Gold Medals :1st_place_medal:

The ultimate recognition, given when students conquer advanced level achievements!

Click here to see Gold Medals 🥇
Achievement Description
:mage: Data Wizard Obtained by reaching level 3 in Excel, Python, and Databases
:sunglasses: FRC Veteran Obtained by reaching level 3 in FRC History & Strategy knowledge
:globe_with_meridians: 3DM Expert Obtained by reaching level 3 in TR 3DM & Presenting
:trophy: Strategy Master Obtained by completing all levels
:clown_face: Outsmarted Mr. Weekend Can only be obtained when @Bjorn feels like he got outsmarted

The more skills they complete, the more medals they collect—fueling a little friendly competition within the team. Depending on the medal, students can also earn rewards like :candy: or :chocolate_bar:.

A Peek Inside the Strategy Factory :eyes:

Curious about what a Strategy Factory class looks like? Here’s a glimpse of what it’s like! Below are some images of the material from the FRC history level 1 skill:


If you want to test your FRC history knowledge, check out the test here:

Future Plans: Cadmes Academy & Competitive Learning :fire:

We’re excited to continue evolving the Strategy Factory. Next offseason, we plan to switch from our current Notion environment to the Cadmes Academy platform. Cadmes, one of our valued partners, offers an incredible platform that will help us make our content and tests even more dynamic and engaging. With Cadmes Academy, we’ll be able to add features like interactive quizzes, progress tracking, and personalized feedback, creating an enriched learning experience for all team members.

In the long term, we also want to create a competitive environment where students can put their skills to the test. One idea is to introduce trivia games where students compete on FRC-related topics. Imagine a game where you have to match team numbers with team names or identify the team behind iconic FRC robots. This will be an environment where team members from all teams around the world can compete! Not only would this be a fun way to reinforce knowledge, but it would also strengthen the FRC strategy community. We’re not sure how we can make such an environment yet, so all your tips/ideas are welcome!

Feedback & Future Improvements :rocket:

The feedback from students who participated has been overwhelmingly positive! They loved the interactive format and working with real FRC data, finding it incredibly useful for gaining practical experience with tools like Python and Excel. For the future, we’re considering adding more advanced modules, bringing in guest lecturers, and make the platform open-source, allowing all FRC teams around the world to benefit from the collected strategy knowledge.


Strategy Factory students when they find out that medals can get them
delicious stroopwafels🍪😋


Written by:
@Bjorn - Chief Editor & Lead 3DM

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Can only be viewed by users in your organization.

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Fixed it!

Thanks for pointing out😁

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For the question:

2020: Which team had a very simple robot that also won the Los Angeles North Regional and Chezy Champs? (give the team number)

Is this meant to be 2021 Chezy and 2020 Los Angeles North?

3 Likes

Yes, you’re right! Bonus point for you :wink:
I’ll update it

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Screenshot 2024-10-17 12.59.35 PM

Only took like 4 attempts, mostly because I really didn’t want to start opening up the game manuals, this was very nice, bar a few minor interpretation issues, cant wait for the next segments to (hopefully) open up!

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I opened the quiz hoping thinking I could do well because I thought I was an FRC nerd. I got instantly humbled.

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I am disappointed in you. Being a Amateur Historian, you should have gotten it in 1. SMH lol
/s

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