[BrianArneson]

Build and experiment with different types of chassis and drive types (omni drive, swerve drive, tank drive, 6 wheeled etc...) and work out the problems that arise then when you got the time to fix them rather then during the build season. That way when you go to build the real one for that seasons robot you know how to assemble it. Usually it's pretty similar each year so you get good at it after a while. Summer is also a good time to use CAD programs to stress analyze where there are weaknesses so you can strengthen it up. Also, think triangles they are strong. Knowing when to use which type of nut and not leaving them laying around on the robot, it'll save you the panic later when one falls out and you don't know where it went. Cover Victors and Jaguars when working on robot, or use Talons, they can be a pain when they stop working and you have to take crucial time troubleshooting. Build simple east to fix mechanisms. This year not one thing broke on our robot because it was a simple dumper with 2 sides to hang, but still effective.