Being a rookie this year, our team has learned many things about building a robot. I am listing the ones that I can think of off the top of my head. Hopefully, this will help other teams when they are building their robot. Feel free to add anything you have learned this season.
1. Don't use bicycle chains and sprockets.
2. Always support the output shaft of motors.
3. KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
4. Always watch weight. (We passed final weigh-in < 15 minutes before the deadline)
5. Always keep an open mind to new ideas.
6. Never touch a drill motor after it has been running for 15 min.
7. Soldering irons are hot, even after being inserted into the snow. (This wasn't me)
8. Never attempt to remove the tip of a soldering iron when it is still plugged in. (This was me)
9. When desperate for a battery to power a cordless circular saw, the robot battery will work. (Just don't use 24 gauge wire to connect it)
10. Always order ten times as many T-nuts as you think you will need.
11. Always keep the following tools handy: pipe stretcher, graphite magnet, adjustable allen wrench, and a metric crescent wrench.
But most importantly
12. HAVE FUN!!!!!!