The Team

Team 1726 - The Nifty Engineering Robotics Design Squad

The Nifty Engineering Robotics Design Squad (N.E.R.D.S.) has been in existance for nearly 3 years. Located in Sierra Vista, Arizona, the team is dedicated to spreading the FIRST message to the community. The team competes annually in the FIRST Robotics Competition, one of the many programs FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) hosts for students around the world. FIRST's goal is to inspire the youth of today to pursue interests in science, technology, and engineering through vigorous and exciting robotics programs. 

The NERDS, starting as the only robotics team in Cochise County, began in the fall of 2005 as a small team of dedicated students and mentors. For the community of Sierra Vista, the creation of a robotics team was quite unusual. Even though the city neighbors a US government communications base (Fort Huachuca), there had never been a program like this before. The new club promised to provide an interesting link between the community and its engineering populace.

In its rookie year of 2006, the inexperienced team was introduced to the FIRST Robotics Competition. After many sleepless nights and strenuous build sessions, their FIRST robot was born (read more about MegaMaid). At season's end, the team finished regional winners at the UC Davis regional and quarterfinalists at the Phoenix regional (read more about our other seasons).

Since its inception, the team has grown in size and reputation. Now a 17 member club, the team has expanded its ventures, including participating and winning the National Underwater Robotics Challenge (read more about NURC). Other notable achievements include expanding the FIRST program in elementary and middle schools throughout the county. By creating unique opportunities for younger students, the NERDS continue to inspire the community and help fulfill FIRST's ultimate goal.

Team 1726 Awards and Accomplishments

2007-2008

  • FRC National Autodesk Safety Animation
  • FTC AZ Regional Finalists
  • FTC AZ Innovate Award
  • NURC National Champions
  • NURC High School Division Champions

2006-2007

  • FRC AZ Regional Finalists
  • FRC AZ Autodesk Visualization Award
  • FRC AZ Underwriters Laboratories Safety Award
  • FRC AZ Judges Award
  • FVC AZ Regional Champions
  • FVC AZ Inspire Award
  • FVC AZ Think Award
  • FVC AZ Innovate Award

2005-2006

  • FRC SAC Regional Champions
  • FRC SAC Rookie Inspiration Award
  • FRC SAC Highest Seeded Rookie Award
d d