Team DRIFT’s Mission: Using Robotics and Innovation to Change Lives

Engineering Impact: Team DRIFT Goes Beyond Robotics At Team DRIFT, we believe that robotics is more than just a competition—it’s a tool for innovation, empowerment, and social change. As part of our commitment to FIRST’s mission and our pursuit of the FIRST Impact Award, we have launched an initiative that uses robotics and engineering to transform lives. This project is not just about building machines for the field; it’s about harnessing technology to make a meaningful difference in the real world. By integrating 3D printing, engineering design, and humanitarian outreach, we are working to provide low-cost, high-impact prosthetic solutions for children and adults in need. We aim to make advanced medical solutions more accessible, empower students through hands-on STEM education, and foster a cycle of lasting impact in our community and beyond.

Our journey began in the summer of 2024 when we partnered with IMA Helps and Mr. Jondarr
Bradshaw, who introduced us to the Great Lakes Science Center’s Robotics Initiative and the
Hands Across Borders Network. Through these connections, we became part of a global
movement focused on leveraging technology for humanitarian purposes. We quickly realized
the power of 3D printing in prosthetics, an innovation that allows for personalized, cost-effective solutions. Unlike traditional prosthetics, which can be prohibitively expensive, 3D-printed prosthetic hands and arms provide a much more affordable and adaptable alternative, making them accessible to underserved populations.

In the Dominican Republic, seven out of ten school-aged children with disabilities do not attend school, and 56% of people with disabilities aged 18 or older are unemployed, highlighting significant barriers to economic participation. Many children and adults with limb differences lack access to affordable, functional prosthetics, limiting their opportunities in education and employment. By introducing low-cost, 3D-printed prosthetics, we are not only providing a life-changing alternative but also encouraging young people to explore careers in STEM, biomedical engineering, and assistive technology. This initiative aligns perfectly with our
team’s mission: spreading education through technology and using engineering to change lives.

From Concept to Reality: Building Custom Prosthetic Solutions
After an initial planning phase, Team DRIFT took a significant step forward by visiting the
Asociación Dominicana de Rehabilitación, the only rehabilitation center in the country, to tour
the facilities and learn about the current prosthetic fabrication process. This firsthand experience provided crucial insights into the challenges faced by amputees and the limitations of existing prosthetic options. We learned how assessments, measurements, and fittings were conducted for lower limb amputees and applied this knowledge to developing upper limb prosthetic solutions using 3D printing technology. Students on our team took an active role in every stage of the process. They immersed themselves in 3D design software, such as Tinkercad, to create custom prosthetic hands and arms, ensuring that each device met the specific needs of individual patients. We took patient measurements at the rehabilitation center to guarantee a proper fit, then printed and assembled the prosthetics in our lab. For children we go a step further, allowing them to choose colors that make them feel excited and confident. When Dylan, a six-year-old patient was asked what design he wanted he immediately chose Superman, and now the color of his prosthetic reflects his favorite superhero. This hands-on approach allowed us to tailor each prosthetic for maximum comfort and functionality. It provided our team members with valuable real-world experience in engineering, medical technology, and problem-solving.

Sustaining the Impact: Education and Future Expansion
Beyond providing prosthetics, we are committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of this initiative. We plan to donate two A1 Bambu 3D printers to the rehabilitation center to support
ongoing production. We also train local technicians in 3D printing, prosthetic assembly, and maintenance, ensuring they have the skills and resources to continue manufacturing and improving prosthetics independently. This knowledge transfer is key to creating a self-sustaining system that will benefit patients for years to come. Looking ahead, our team is excited to expand this initiative. This summer, in collaboration with the Asociación Dominicana de Rehabilitación, we will host a 3D printing workshop and training program to further educate and equip technicians with the skills needed for prosthetic fabrication. Through this effort, we aspire to build prosthetic devices and expand our impact on more patients. By combining engineering, education, and community engagement, Team DRIFT is changing lives and inspiring the next generation of innovators to continue this work.

More Than Just Prosthetics: Building a Legacy ofChange
This project goes beyond simply creating prosthetics—bridging the educational gap in the
Dominican Republic and empowering individuals with the tools to pursue quality education and technological advancement. Many children and adults living with limb differences lack access to affordable, functional prosthetic solutions, limiting their opportunities in education and employment. Introducing low-cost 3D-printed prosthetics provides a life-changing alternative while encouraging young people to explore careers in STEM, biomedical engineering, and assistive technology.

Through this initiative, Team DRIFT is not just designing and printing prosthetics—we are shaping the future of engineering and social impact. By leveraging the power of robotics and innovation, we aim to create a world where technology is a tool for competition and a catalyst for meaningful, lasting change. This project exemplifies what it means to use robotics for good. As we continue on this journey, we hope to inspire other FRC teams to embrace the responsibility of engineering for humanity.

Quotes
“This project is a perfect example of how technology can create real, tangible change in our
community. Seeing our students apply their engineering and problem-solving skills to improve
lives has been inspiring. They’re not just learning; they’re making a lasting impact.” –
Aleunys Mercedes, Team Mentor.

“Being part of this initiative has shown me that even from our role as students, we can start
taking steps toward transforming the Dominican Republic into a nation of opportunities. Knowing something we designed and printed can uplift and empower someone is incredibly rewarding. I will never forget the moment I told Dylan, a six-year-old boy, that we would be making a prosthetic for him; he hugged me so tightly that I promised myself to keep working for kids like him, ensuring that no child feels limited by their circumstances.”
Maura Osorio, Team Senior Captain.

At its core, Team Drift’s story is not just one of technical brilliance, but of kindness,
perseverance, and the unwavering belief that young people have the power to shape a better
world. Through their dedication, they remind us all that the true purpose of innovation is to uplift, empower, and bring hope where it is needed most.

Interested in learning more or supporting Team DRIFT? Contact teamdrift@cms.edu.do
Article written by:
Maura Osorio Rojas - Team DRIFT Captain
Dr. Brian Kelly - Head of School
Dr. Kulangara Jacob Johnson - Director of Innovation & Technology
25th March 2025