Project Overview
Though the robot was ultimately never built, as our team was unable to advance to the FIRST Tech Challenge Worlds (International) competition, the development process spanned from the start of our regional League Meet 4 and League Championships through to just after the State Championship. Throughout this period, multiple design considerations shaped the robot’s structure. One key feature was the set-back inner drivetrain plates, which provided additional clearance for the angled linear slides, enabling the use of larger primary actuators and secondary grippers. The core concept behind the design was to create a high-speed, pass-through system that minimized cycle times, allowing for rapid and efficient scoring of game points on the backboard via pixels.
In the Centerstage challenge, teams design robots to score points by manipulating colored “pixels” (game elements) on a vertical backboard. The backboard is divided into zones, and each pixel placed in a scoring zone earns points for the team. Robots must efficiently pick up, transport, and place these pixels within the time limits of the match, which usually consists of an autonomous period followed by a driver-controlled teleoperated period. Precision and speed are critical, as robots must quickly navigate the field, avoid obstacles, and operate within strict size and weight constraints. Additional challenges include managing multiple game pieces simultaneously and strategically prioritizing scoring opportunities to maximize overall points.
My Contributions
As the design lead and primary CAD developer for our competition robot, my role was pivotal in defining both the conceptual and practical foundations of the project. From the outset, I was responsible for translating the team’s strategic goals into a coherent design vision, which involved establishing the robot’s overall intent and operational approach. This abstract framework guided the development of key systems, such as the drivetrain and structural chassis, ensuring that the robot could meet the demands of both speed and maneuverability on the field.
A major focus of my work was creating a robust and adaptable structure that could support the integration of future components, including linear slides, actuators, and gripping mechanisms. By carefully designing mounting points and ensuring structural integrity, I laid the groundwork for modularity, allowing the team to iterate and add new functionalities without compromising the robot’s stability or performance.
One of the greatest challenges was balancing competing priorities: the robot needed to be lightweight yet durable, compact yet spacious enough to house complex mechanisms, and rigid enough to withstand the stresses of competition while remaining flexible for upgrades. This required close collaboration with team members responsible for electronics, programming, and mechanical subsystems to ensure that each module would work in harmony.
In addition to physical design, I placed a strong emphasis on the cohesiveness of the robot’s multiple systems, particularly in the context of tele-operation. This meant coordinating the layout and integration of drivetrain components with actuator controls, sensors, and driver interfaces to optimize responsiveness and control during matches. By designing with modularity and ease of assembly in mind, I helped streamline the build process and enabled rapid troubleshooting and adjustments during testing.
Ultimately, my contributions went beyond CAD modeling; they encompassed systems thinking, problem-solving, and iterative design—all essential skills for engineering in a dynamic, competitive environment. The experience sharpened my ability to lead multidisciplinary projects and prepared me to approach future robotics challenges with a comprehensive and adaptable mindset.
