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STORM 2026: Power Flash
STORM 2026: Power Flash
STORM (Student Tele-Operated Robotics Mission) is a university robotics competition that challenges teams to design and build a robot capable of completing real-world tasks while being operated remotely from a separate room.
The 2026 challenge, Power Flash, simulated restoring electricity after severe weather while preparing for an approaching flash flood. During each four-minute match, robots completed a 30-second autonomous period followed by remote operation. Teams earned points by transporting and installing batteries, spinning a charging wheel at a specified speed, supplying the correct voltage to a charging station, and climbing onto a utility line to escape the simulated floodwater.
The challenge tested each team’s mechanical design, electrical systems, programming, autonomous control, sensors, and operator interface.
Mercury Robotics finished the competition as the 1st Place champion and earned the Highest Score Award with 46 points. (We also had the second and third highest)
Reliable Hanging System
Reliable Hanging System
Our hanging mechanism completed every climb attempt, lifting the robot completely off the ground and earning the 10 points. It became one of our most dependable and valuable scoring features.
Efficient Battery Scoring
Efficient Battery Scoring
Our intake + Arm placement system allowed us to collect and install batteries quickly and consistently. We scored efficiently enough to win matches without having to rely on the end-of-match hang.
Driver Station
Driver Station
Our driver station combined the robot’s controls with multiple live camera views of the field and mechanisms. This gave the operator the visibility and precision needed to drive, collect batteries, score, and hang from a separate room.
3D Model a month from Competition
Our CAD model helped us visualize how every mechanism would fit and move together. With only one month remaining, it guided the final design changes needed before competition.
Finished Robot
The completed robot combined our battery intake, scoring mechanism, electrical system, and reliable hanging arms into one compact design. Every component worked together to help us score quickly and consistently.
Wire Management
Careful wire management kept the robot’s electrical system organized, secure, and easier to troubleshoot. This helped prevent loose connections and allowed us to make faster repairs during competition.
Intake Camera
We taped an iPhone inside the robot and used FaceTime to give our operator a close-up view of the intake. This became our most important camera, helping us align with the batteries and pick them up reliably while operating from a separate room.
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