Rick McBride

Years on Team: 6

Sub-Team: Design & Build – Mechanical

What are 2 fun facts about you?

My family has raised 6 puppies for Leader Dogs for the Blind (and 3 re-home puppies).
I purchased a 3-D printer in 2013 and we printed parts that were used on the 2014 robot (my wife is also an engineer and an AdamBots mentor).

Why did you join the AdamBots?

My son Andrew, currently studying engineering at Michigan Tech, joined as a freshman and, as an engineer, I thought that it looked like fun. I have been hooked ever since.

What is your favorite memory from robotics?

Margarita (2012 robot) losing its head during a match at the San Antonio, TX competition – and we worked through lunch and had it back to 100% for the next match

Why have you learned from being on the team?

Building a robot that is capable of high level competition in 6 weeks is just like “real work” in that there are cost and time constraints and always unforeseen issues; if we work together, anything can be done (even when snowstorms take time out of the schedule).

Do you have any tips for the current AdamBots?

Take the opportunity to get hands-on experience in the fabrication room; it will help you in the future (whether you go into engineering or not). Never, ever be late at any competition, especially the bus (and being on time is late).

What is something you would have wanted to do differently to reach where you are today? (career-wise or to get to the AdamBots)

I would have listened to Mr. Clark and encouraged my older two children (who are both in college studying engineering) to get involved in robotics

What is special about FIRST?

The opportunity of both students and adult mentors to work closely on an intense short-term project like building a robot in 6 weeks can be a positive experience for both students and mentors.