The document outlines the design process for robots in FIRST Robotics competitions. It discusses the importance of brainstorming with the whole team to generate ideas and categorize them. Computer-aided design is recommended, especially for set components, to demonstrate the robot's function. Key considerations for the design include weight distribution, goals of operation, simplicity, and types of motion. Components like drive bases, transmissions, framing options, and motors are discussed. Effective prototyping and sourcing parts from various suppliers is also covered.

1. THE DESIGN PROCESS AND FIRST ROBOTICS by Rohan Jhunjhunwala Team Captain and Manager of Design, Team 1540

2. Step 1 Brainstorming

3. Taking Notes at Kickoff Notate important game rules and big picture items. Remember weird rules Think about possible designs, note key ideas Very specific items don’t matter http://smartadsmart.com/Jill%20Taking%20notes.jpg

4. First Brainstorming Session All team members should be involved – not just mechanical people Make a list of goals How will these be accomplished? Categorize ideas (winch type hanging vs. grabbing, etc.) Break into small teams with a variety of departments represented. Use whiteboards AND paper, so you can save your ideas! Agree on a final idea – to be fleshed out by design department. http://www.clamlynch.com/blog/brainstorm.jpg

5. Step 2 Computer Aided Design

6. To CAD or not to CAD? Very useful for components that are “set in stone” Inefficient for detailed CAD of entire robot CAD can be time consuming CAD “department” First CAD without specific dimensions can demonstrate robot function to rest of team. Common CAD program options: Google SketchUp Inventor SolidWorks

7. Google SketchUp Extremely easy to use, fast. Good for simple, conceptual CADs Difficult to make a CAD that “proves” anything http://blog.hubalek.net/media/1/20060514-sketchup.png

8. http://catmacey.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/wide-salon.png

9. Autodesk Inventor Professional, detailed CADs Can be given to machine shop for machining Can be integrated with CAM Can be entered in CAD division in competitions Time consuming and difficult to learn http://www.amsystems.com/products/mechanical/images-autodesk-inventor-professional/autodesk-inventor-professional-7-pipe-features.jpg

10. http://npowersoftware.jp/products/trans/intro/images/motor03.jpg

11. Manipulators Step 3

12. Things to think about Weight Distribution Goals of operation Simplicity is elegance Motors and transmissions Fewest number of moving parts Utilize multiple forms of motion Non-motorized elements Weird parts

13. Organize your thoughts! Consider CAD – need not be perfect for manipulators Prototype specific parts Consider pros and cons of MULTIPLE designs

14. Step 4 Ready to Build? Consider Components.

15. Drive Bases Think about: Wheels Sprockets Transmissions Type of base Motors Weight distribution Modularity

16. Transmissions Find a transmission that compliments your design Some transmissions offered to FIRST teams: AndyMark Planetary AndyMark Toughbox BaneBots Planetary Shifters Fisher Price Think about gear and sprocket ratios BaneBots, LLC

17. Framing Options 80/20 QuickFrame Other Aluminum extrusions (Angle, I-beam, etc.) Wood Plastic

18. Pros and cons of different parts Sprockets and Chain (size) Bearings Igus Ball Needle Bronze Axle Bolts vs. Rivets Should I use pneumatics? Binary device Powerful Extra components Linear motion w/ motors Fast Constant pressure Ease of use

19. Motors! Motors included in KOP: Fisher Price CIM Window Motors (Nippon Denso) Mabuci RS Motors RS-555SH RS-555VC Stall Currents: Fisher-Price 70 CIM 133 RS-555SH 4.4 RS-555VC 10.9 Window Right 18.6 Window Left 21

20. Effective Prototyping Use 80/20 or other quick materials Only prototype complex systems Prototype robot? Don’t worry about weight Use old parts, and approximate gear ratios, operate things by hand, etc Adjust prototype until it works, and take note of adjustments, so final robot will perform similarly.

21. Parts! Local McGuire Bearing Metal Supermarkets Winks Hardware Falk Ace Hardware Muticraft Plastics Web McMaster-Carr ( www.mcmaster.com ) OnlineMetals ( www.onlinemetals.com ) Small Parts, Inc. ( www.smallparts.com ) MSC Industrial Supply ( www.mscdirect.com ) RobotShop ( www.robotshop.com ) Robot Marketplace ( www.robotmarketplace.com ) AndyMark ( www.andymark.biz ) BaneBots LLC ( www.banebots.com ) United Nuclear ( www.unitednuclear.com ) Warden Fluid Dynamics (For 80/20 products)

22. www.oregonfirst.com www.team1540.org [email_address]