Simplicity, Reliability, and Teamwork
When it comes to building a competition-ready robot, a good rule of thumb is “Keep it simple, make it fun, and keep it safe.” A robot doesn’t need to be complex to be successful; in fact, simplicity often leads to better reliability and easier troubleshooting. Teamwork is at the heart of a great robot. Everyone’s voice matters, and all members should be part of the design and build process. Don’t take engineering critiques personally; it's not about feelings, it’s about creating the best machine possible. In alignment with our programs’ goal of student-centered teams, mentors and adults should support but not interfere.
Planning
Planning before building is essential and your team should utilize your engineering notebook every time you meet, and include sketches, notes, and photos. The notebook is a great tool to go back to when you may have to rebuild or test a mechanism. Start building early and plan out when to finish. Having time to practice driving the robot and fine-tuning programming is priceless, and a robot that’s been thoroughly tested and driven will outperform one with a last-minute feature that may not even work.
Reliability
When building, remember that reliability is your most powerful feature. Tighten every screw, use nylock nuts, and keep plenty of legal-sized zip ties on hand. Always verify your code with simple and tested autonomous routines, and when code doesn’t behave, check the robot’s hardware first.
Autonomous Programming
Having a reliable robot is also the foundation for a reliable autonomous program. If your robot's mechanical systems aren’t consistent (if the drivetrain drifts, the sensors are loose, or the wiring is unstable) even the most well-written autonomous code will be unpredictable. A dependable robot ensures that autonomous routines perform as expected, every time. It's also important to create and test autonomous programs for each starting position on the field, giving your team the flexibility to adapt to different match strategies and alliances. Just as crucial is verifying that your robot is properly configured to communicate with the field control system during competition. Always make sure your robot is field-ready and your autonomous programs have been tested in a real match environment.
Battery Management
In robotics, battery management can be the difference between winning and watching your robot sit lifeless on the field. Always check your batteries, never just assume they’re good. Charged robot batteries should read at least 7.2 volts, and don’t forget the controller’s batteries! Secure batteries with clamps or straps to keep them from flying off during matches, and label them for rotation and condition tracking. Establish a battery charging station and appoint a “Battery Boss" to manage everything related to power. A well-managed battery system can prevent untimely failures and keep your robot consistently competitive.
Your Robot at the Tournament
Tournaments are intense, so it’s critical to stay calm and be ready for anything. Expect that something will break on your robot, and come prepared with spare parts. If your robot fails, stay composed and consider asking other teams for help since they are often more than willing to assist. Tournaments are also a great place to get inspired on ways to improve your robot.