[JPL69]

I agree, it is an added plus if you do use it. We have been using CAD for the last few years that I have been there, and this year we had very little CAD due to student commitments. We noticed the difference and did enough for the critical parts to make sure the design functioned properly. We have some new students that are interested in CAD now, and they are learning now (just because the competition is over, doesn't mean learning is over).

As far as "no experience in CAD", it is never too late to learn. Our team switched from Java to Labview two years ago, none of us knew how Labview worked. The students and I learned together as a team in the off season, and has strengthened our student/mentor ties. If you have dedicated students that want to learn CAD, do not be afraid to start with them and learn together.

Remember that this is all about learning and what they want to learn. Even if you don't use CAD, you will still have a robot either way.