Brainstorming is an integral first step in the first two weeks of competition in robotics; for the MSET team, they discuss the ways in which they come together and visualize the way they can complete their goal. The team must find the most efficient way to complete objectives using the strategies that are developed.

“First we look at our objectives from our strategy discussion and see how we can accomplish the goal,” senior President Stanley Yip said. “This is where all the 'what if's' are thrown into the discussion, even the most far-fetched ones.”

In brainstorming, the team develops ideas of how the end goal could possibly be met. Last year’s team conjured up ideas and ways to achieve their goal; however, in hindsight they said they could have been more ambitious in their thought process.

Through their experiences from last season, the team has now opened their minds to ideas that are out-of-the-box and have dedicated more thought in the brainstorming of their machine.

“Brainstorming is really one of the most important aspects of the robot because it can really make or break of the robot,” Yip said.