Build Season Strategy

[Bwalker]

Now that we're deep into build season, I'm wondering how other teams utilize the build season. Specifically how is it structured. (1st week prototype/brainstorm, etc.)

[goofy173]

In our mentor training by Indiana FIRST and Cyber Blue Robotics, the schedule listed there is:

Basic Schedule
Week 1
Attend Kick-Off.
Read and Understand the Rules.
Determine a good approach to play the game.
Sketch some robot design ideas.
Document the size limitations and display them.
If you have CAD capability, begin to model some design ideas.
Check Chief Delphi for ideas and suggestions.
Watch “Robot in 3 Days”.

Basic Schedule
Week 2
Determine robot orientation (wide / narrow).
Build chassis and drive system (KOP).
Use help videos.
Build slightly small (1” total dimensions).
Make a temporary mount surface for electronics
Plywood, perforated board, polycarbonate.
Re-read the electronics system rules for wiring.
Mount electrical components and control components.
Wire components.
Develop mounting method for bumpers.

Basic Schedule
Week 3
Download programming and adapt to robot.
Drive the robot!
Make and Mount one set of bumpers.
Bumpers may impact a manipulator.
Determine if a manipulator / appendage is needed.
Begin basic designs.
Make some prototypes.
Determine mounting options.
Onto the frame.
Is another structure required.

Basic Schedule
Week 4
Make robot changes to allow mounting appendages or manipulator.
Make near-final versions of appendage or manipulator.
Remove electronics and mounting board if needed.
Install appendage or manipulator.
Reinstall mounting board and electronics.
Rewire.
Write and download new program code.
Drive and Test.

Basic Schedule
Week 5
Finish assembly.
Finish programming.
Drive and test assembly.
Make second set of bumpers.
Check mount second set.
Remember, you need a red and blue set!

Basic Schedule
Week 6
Continue testing and improving code.
Continue practice.
Prepare for competition.
Make spare parts.
BAG THE ROBOT!
TAKE A BREATH!

[Bwalker]

Wow, thanks! Looks like you guys have it figured out pretty well.

[bEdhEd]

We follow a similar schedule, but we structure it for two robots, so the schedules for each bot start overlapping by week 3 and 4.