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www.usfirst.org
FTC Home Page
FTC Game Page FTC
GAME
PAGE
TEAM RESOURCES
TEAM RESOURCES
FTC Forum
Two Key Questions
∆ What do you want to accomplish?o Moving?o Collecting?o Lifting?
∆ How do you want to accomplish it?o Wheels / Treads?o Scoop / Agitator?o Drawer slides?
Strategy and Planning
Narrow Down Your Options
∆ We like to use a 2 x 2 matrix to help us prioritize our objectives.o Focus first on high
point / low complexity.o Be sure to understand
possible points and set reasonable goals.
+
Points 0
0 Complexity +
Beginning∆ Develop concepts on key robot mechanisms.
o Sketcheso Mock-upso Computer simulations
∆ Understand field elements and how to interact with them.
∆ Estimate spatial requirements and work out a plan for robot organization.o Block out space for each mechanismo Block out space for electronicso Leave room for robot optimization
Other questions
∆ How many devices do you need?
∆ How large are these devices?
∆ Where do the electronics go?
∆ How are the wires mounted?
∆ Will it survive in the competition?
∆ Does it fit in the budget?
∆ Can it be built before the competition?
Examples
Rough sketch showing area/function assignments.
Block Party
Example of cash flow by season
milestones.
Cascade Effect
Design/Construction
∆ Test as much as you can before you spend time building it.∆ As you develop your design think about modularity
o Multiple groups can work on pieces of the robot at the same timeo Simplifies maintenance
∆ Understand the materials that you are allowed to use. Tetrix is a great system, but has significant limitations.
∆ Support all driven components separate from the motor or servo
∆ Plan out controls while building so that software can be developed
∆ Electronics and Wiringo Design in space for electrical components and wire routing o Secure all wiring connections
Random Thoughts
Hampster’s Robot 2010-11Get Over It
Hampster’s Robot 2014-2015Cascade Effect
Much broader use of materials
Central location for electronics
Easily accessible battery. Note rubber band to indicate fully charged
Entire front collector could be removed with one pin
Random Thoughts
Shielding to protect sensitive components and wiring connections
Wire routing
Very simple mock-up to test flag spinner for Block Party
Final Installation
Random Thoughts
In this situation, the entire robot had to be built around the block handler so we needed to be sure it worked.
Entire block collector was built and tested while robot was being designed. Without the real thing available it would never have worked
Random Thoughts
Random Thoughts
Kickstand hook from Cascade Effect. Servo drives well anchored shaft. No vibrations transferred to servo
From engineering notebook. Early agreement on controls lets programming occur in parallel with robot construction.
Random Thoughts
Ultimate in custom parts. Worm drive from a rototiller. Note tape on motors to hold connectors in place
Double Omni wheels with offset rollers to improve steering
Game Day
Competition days are the fun part of the work that is done all season. A little bit of planning
and structure can make the day more organized and enjoyable.
∆ Before matcheso Robot ownershipo Scoutingo Pit representativeo Identify Partners and competitors (we use a 3 x 5
card for coaches)
Information card developed as soon as pairings are announced so that our coaches know who to work with and when they need to be ready.
Game Day
∆ During Matcheso Robot ownershipo Strategy with partnerso Battery Coordinatoro Pit Checklisto Performance Evaluationo Pit presence (watch for judges)
Pit Checklist:
Game Day
∆ Finalso Prepare ranking for team representative – Team
Representative selects highest ranked, available teamo You have a few minuteso Take critical tools and charged batteries to the field with youo Remember blue sets firsto Remember, you get one time-out
Preparation for Competition
If something can go wrong in a competition it will. You need to work out the bugs in your shop.
∆ Robot substantially complete at least two meetings before the competition.
∆ Drive practice, and lots of repetitions – use competition drive teams
∆ Simulate situations and talk about how you will respond
∆ Share all learning points with the entire team. Learn the lesson once!
Preparation for Competition
There is a lot of preparation beyond the robot. This work can take several weeks and should be worked on as part
of regular team meetings.
∆ Plan/prepare pit presentation and decorations∆ Finalize bill of materials and applicable rules∆ Plan and practice judging presentation∆ Go through Robot and Software checklist∆ Charge batteries (we use rubber bands to indicate
charged)∆ Assemble pit checklists, scouting sheets and evaluation
sheets (Too much detail will kill you. Focus on the few critical pieces of information)
∆ Pack your supplies as a team so you know where things are