Our guiding philosophy, from the AMRoC Fab Lab Youth Robotics Handbook under which FIRST Tech Challenge Team Duct Tape operates:

Our goal is to elevate character, teamwork, and academic and intellectual achievement above all else. We do not seek to win at all costs, but rather to give team members an enduring hands-on STEM experience that will serve them well into their futures. Putting character before competition has yielded a consistently high achieving team that reliably brings home trophies year after year, and is well regarded not just statewide but nationally.

Where to Find Us

Team Duct Tape is based at the Advanced Manufacturing & Robotics Center (AMRoC) Fab Lab in Tampa, FL   If you live in the University of South Florida area and are interested in being part of TDT, please complete the interest form found here, and note “TDT” in the comments sections.

If you’d like to mentor or support the team,  please get in touch via our Contact page.

Sponsors and Mentors

Potential supporters can learn more at our Support TDT page. Mentors with experience in programming, mechanical engineering, CAD design, robotics, team building and related skills are always welcome. Our team members are always eager for learning opportunities at meetings and at field outings, so if you’ve got a skill or business you feel they’d benefit from learning more about, we welcome the opportunity to work with you in expanding team members knowledge and skill base, and enhancing their futures.

New Members

New member applications are currently being accepted through mid-August. To most enjoy the FIRST Tech Challenge experience, it’s important that potential members have a good sense of humor, unlimited imagination, unbridled curiosity and an interest in engineering, math or science. Past experience in robotics (BEST, Vex, Lego Mindstorm, Sumo, etc) is helpful but not necessary. Parents and family are a vital part of the team experience, and some family involvement and assistance is integral to our success.

Click HERE for to Register for Team Duct Tape (note “TDT” in comments section)

We’re always happy to talk to students interested in FIRST robotics and to help you find teams or resources, or even help you build your own team.