Our Build Process
A comprehensive overview of our engineering design pipeline—spanning strategic game breakdown, parametric CAD assembly, functional prototyping, and autonomous control integration.
Engineering Pipeline
1. Kickoff & Game Strategy Breakdown
Immediately following the FIRST Tech Challenge game reveal, our team conducts a thorough analysis of the manual rules and field geometry to establish our high-level strategic objectives.
- Point Optimization: Calculating theoretical point yields across autonomous, driver-controlled, and end-game periods to set target scoring rates.
- Drivetrain Architecture: Choosing optimal chassis geometry (e.g., custom Mecanum or compact Swerve) to balance speed, pushing force, and obstacle traversal.
- Subsystem Prioritization: Mapping out primary, secondary, and tertiary scoring mechanism requirements to guide mechanical design tradeoffs.
2. Parametric CAD & Mechanical Assembly
Before physical cutting or assembly begins, the entire robot is modeled in 3D CAD using Onshape to verify clearances, balance weight distribution, and ensure compliance with size limits.
- Standardized Hardware: Integrating goBILDA and REV pattern structures with custom CNC routed aluminum and polycarb plates.
- Packaging & Constraints: Designing within the 18"x18"x18" starting sizing box while maximizing expansion capability during match play.
- Mass & Center of Gravity: Tracking center of mass dynamically to optimize high-speed acceleration and stability during quick directional changes.
3. Rapid Prototyping & Iterative Testing
We leverage additive manufacturing and fast mockups to validate mechanism geometry and intake dynamics early in the build cycle before committing to final metal fabrication.
- 3D Printing (PLA & TPU): Printing active intake rollers, flexible compliant wheels, custom gearboxes, and sensor mounts for rapid bench testing.
- Physical Proof-of-Concept: Building cardboard and wooden test rigs to evaluate compression, grip friction, and feeding angles for game pieces.
- Failure Analysis: Documenting failure modes during strain testing to revise wall thicknesses and structural gussets.
4. Control Systems, Vision Processing & Tuning
Our software suite focuses on precise motion profiling, computer vision targeting, and automated driver-assist features to maximize match consistency.
- RoadRunner Motion Profiling: Implementing spline trajectories with deadwheel odometry for repeatable autonomous navigation.
- Vision Systems: Utilizing AprilTag identification via Limelight and OpenCV for real-time localization and automated target tracking.
- Control Loops: Tuning PID controller loops and feedforward mechanisms for precise arm positioning, slide extension, and velocity regulation.