Build
When building, there are a few things that should be kept in mind while constructing your robot.
- Following the Design - You don't want to just do something on your robot, just to build it.
- Good Structural Support - To make sure your robot can take some hits and not fall apart.
- Low Friction - To allow the moving parts of your robot to function well. Easiest way to do this is to drill out bearings to make sure it has circular holes.
- Testing Motors - Motors have a tendency to wear down over time, and listen for stripped gears that need to be replaced.
- Holes are Aligned - This can lead to increased friction if not done.
- Testing the Individual Systems - This is to make sure that your systems are functioning properly, for instance a chassis may not drive straight. To solve this try and turn down the speed of the stronger side of the chassis. Record the observations in your notebook for future use.
- Being Frugal With Parts and Weight - If you want a lighter robot to increase its speed, try to only use what parts you absolutely need. At important joints you can get away with having only three screws if they are fitted tightly.
- Kepp Nuts vs Nylon Nuts - Kepp nuts are more commonly used in the non-moving parts of the robot. Nylon nuts are good when you do not want the nut to move anywhere on the screw, which can be used to create movable joints.
- Providing Space - Make sure that when you plan out your robot to leave enough space for its systems, the cortex, batteries, and motors. Therefore always have the eighteen inch cube size limit in the back of your mind.
- Protecting the Vulnerable Parts - A big mistake some teams make is leaving their cortex and wires in vulnerable areas. Make sure your cortex is protected, usually this is under the lift. Exposed wires are also prone to being caught if another robot is too close. Therefore try to keep wires at least two inches away from the outside of the robot. If this cannot be achieved for some places, use any polycarbonate left over to protect them.