New at this and need some helpful tips

[suneel112]

A crazy design helps. Have an innovative strategy to do the goal of the game, and you will not only win, but you will also get a lot of recognition and (gasp) fame. Think like 12 to 18 hours on the design alone, being what your robot is going to do, how it is going to do that, and what it is going to look like. Also, be very weight-conscious. Know the dimensions of everything, especially the electronics. Also, know how to do (or have somebody who knows how to do) C++, the new programming language of FIRST. You should know basic math and basic concepts (such as torque, power, and gear ratio). Be able to do everything in the game with the battery you have. A battery can hold approximately 775,000 Joules of electric energy, and motors are not 100 percent efficient. As for materials, if you have access to an aluminum welder (and a technician who knows how to use it), weld box aluminum frames, tube-Al arms, and make several spares. If not, buy 1" Aluminum Extrusion in bulk (you will need at least 25 feet for the entire robot, bad parts, etc...). CAD definitely helps, and if you don't have it, drawings will still work (but weight is still a big issue).
You will be working pretty hard throught the six weeks, so keep some food in the shop and devote your life to FIRST. It will pay off.
A cool Idea: Develop a neat navigation system, with a program that can tell the user (via dashboard computer) where the robot is at any time during the game.
So work hard, have fun, and let the games begin.

[Brant Bowen]

One thing that we always suggest to the rookie teams we start/deal with is to just make sure to have something drivable out on the field. The matches are expensive so you at least want to be on the field for each one and not back in the pit trying to repair. Having a drivable robot is a feasible task for even the newest of robot builders and in the situation of past year's games has allowed you to still throw your weight around in a match.