About Us ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
History: PhyXTGears was founded in 2005 in Muncie, originally named Muncie/Delaware Robotics, and has been in continuous operation since then, even during the COVID years. We are a member of the FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics (https://www.firstinspires.org/) organization, founded by Dean Kamen in 1989, which is an international community of competitive robotics teams.
Mission: The mission of East Central Indiana Robotics (ECIR), PhyXTGears Team 1720, is to cultivate excitement, understanding and skill in the fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through the FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics program. Through the use of problem-solving, teamwork, time management, and project development, ECIR promotes innovation, integrity, and passion in all we do, and strives to prepare student leaders in order to positively impact our local community.
Our Guiding Philosophies
Gracious Professionalism®
Dr. Woodie Flowers, (1943 – 2019), EAB Chair Emeritus & Distinguished Advisor, coined the term “Gracious Professionalism®.” Gracious Professionalism is part of the ethos of FIRST. It’s a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions. Gracious professionals learn and compete like crazy but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process. They avoid treating anyone like losers. No chest-thumping tough talk, but no sticky-sweet platitudes either. Knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended. In the long run, Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing one has acted with integrity and sensitivity.
Coopertition®
Coopertition® produces innovation. At FIRST, Coopertition is displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition. It is is founded on the concept and philosophy that teams can and should help and cooperate with each other even as they compete. Coopertition involves learning from teammates. It is teaching teammates. It is learning from Mentors. And it is managing and being managed. It means competing always, but assisting and enabling others when you can.
“Every once in a while, a new technology, an old problem, and a big idea turn into an innovation.”
Dean Kamen