Webb robotics and You: a comprehensive overview on the members of Team 359!
On February 8th, 2025, Webb Robotics completed at the Interleague Tournament in Palmdale, with three teams attending the tournament: 358, 359, and 19888. While all three put up amazing results, of note was Superstar team 359, who once again was able to obtain a coveted spot to the regional competition this March.
On February 8th, 2025, Webb Robotics completed at the Interleague Tournament in Palmdale, with three teams attending the tournament: 358, 359, and 19888. While all three put up amazing results, of note was Superstar team 359, who once again was able to obtain a coveted spot to the regional competition this March. This team has been a consistent heavy hitter, having made regionals three years in a row. This year they aim to get all the way to the Worlds Championship tournament! This is the final chance for many on the team, which mostly consists of seniors, so let’s give our best wishes to the students on the team. Read on to learn more about who they are.
Jonathan Li (‘25), coder, 3D modeler, engineer
Jonathan Li is the partner in crime to Boyang, the dynamic duo that together shoulder the technological side of robotics. But Jonathan isn’t just a one trick pony, as he has a strong foundation of engineering skills to lean back on. Jonathan is the glue that sticks the team together, filling in for any gaps in knowledge or support that the team needs.
Photo Credit: Phillip Park
Tyler Liu (‘25), driver and engineer:
Tyler Liu is the wise master of the team. Although not officially in the Webb robotics program, his efforts in supporting Team 359 have nevertheless made a noticeable difference in the team’s performance both in and out of the playing field. As he brings his seven years of robotics knowledge tracing back to middle school, no one can drive a robot like Tyler can.
Photo Credit: Phillip Park
Boyang Li (‘25), Master Coder:
Lover of chickens, Boyang has an alter ego as the premier coder on team 359. There from the start, he dutifully works in the background, often hiding behind boxes to find his own private spaces. But when it comes time to write the code for the robot, or to smooth out a bug in the driving program, many are surprised to find that Boyang has already finished fixing, handing you the code before going back to his alcove in the robotics room to take a well-earned nap.
Photo Credit: Phillip Park
Max Lan (‘25), Coder:
Though a new hand at coding, no one is as enthusiastic on Team 359 as Max Lan. He has supported the other coders on the team with his invariable enthusiasm, often staying late to practice his code in the Robotics room. Though he is leaving this year, he hopes this spark of passion for coding will lead him to great success in the future.
Photo Credit: Phillip Park
Jake Hui (‘25), 3D modeler and mechanic:
Jake is the team’s premier 3D modeler, utilizing his technological skills to create and print 3D parts custom made for the robot. Without his help, their robot would be identical to the other competitors, but by using his creativity and the team’s input the robot is elevated above the competition. He also is skilled off the computer, being able to spot where his parts are needed the most and actively chatting with the other engineers about further improvements.
Photo Credit: Phillip Park
David Liu (‘25), mechanic:
David Liu loves hotpot, and going out with his teammates to eat hotpot is one of the rare moments of joy in his life. Thus, he resolves to put the same level of love and care into his work as an engineer. David specializes in handiwork, and no one in the robotics lab can match up to his skill with a screwdriver or wrench. David is the happiest when he puts on some music, sets the robot on his workbench, and starts to comb through every piece meticulously, one nut and bolt at a time.
Photo Credit: Phillip Park
Jerry Hu (‘26), engineer:
Jerry is the youngest member of the team but no less enthusiastic. Testing and calibrating the robot, Jerry focuses on improving the robot firsthand, driving the robot into obstacles, testing the extent of its wheel’s limits, and measuring the distances it travels. Once done, he reports this data to other engineers where they strategize to come up with novel solutions for these minor problems. This is how Team 359 is able to bring the robot to new heights, and fight in the major leagues.
Photo Credit: Phillip Park
These are just some of the members of the afternoon activity that is Robotics. Come give it a try if it sounds interesting: everyone here has different interests but is united by their passion to experiment and try new things!
