[DonRotolo]

We prototype using materials at hand: foam, wood, 80/20, scrap aluminum, even paper and cardboard. We like to think we use CAD to prototype but that is still a dream.

Our design process runs in specific steps, usually we are done with all prototypes at the end of week one, and we start building the practice bot. The steps include figuring out what strategy will win the game, what capabilities are needed for that strategy, what methods can be used to implement those capabilities, and what mechanisms we can use to get those methods. Much of our prototyping revolves around proof of concept.

Regarding the drills: we just chuck the shaft into the drill and turn it on. Great variable speed drive system, super flexible. A little dangerous perhaps, but we try to be careful.