pit design

[roboticWanderor]

it is definitely better to get rid of the bulky crate and bring in your own workbench and other items you need.
it also might depend on how much you can bring with you to the regional. our team usually attends only one regional, and it is well within driving distance, so we tow a trailer with everything we need. the super-duper-robot-tool-everything-ever crate is really cool and means you dont have to bring a bunch of stuff with you. all of your tools etc are there when you get there (but the shipping cost omg!! that thing is gonna weigh literally a ton!)

mainly remember to bring the basics (tools, parts, robot cart, etc.) and a easy way to store them (a large rolling tool cart works great apposed to separate toolboxes or even worse, the totes the kit comes in). you will also need some table space for essentials (laptops, rear ends, random stuff, parts you're working on etc.) it is a good idea to gather everything you need and have for the pits, and setup a mock pit. it gives you time to plan out where tools etc will be and really reduces the stress and confusion of pit setup.


as for our (team 418) pit layout we have 4 basic things:
here is our 06 pit for reference
collapsible plastic shelves: these come in handy for storing our tools in easy reach and putting nifty stuff on display. (they are in the back)

the tool cart: we custom made our own wooden cart, it has a space for a drill press, toll drawers, a good maple top for a work surface, a vice, and it rolls. it is the most useful thing our team has in the pits. (bottom right)

the robot cart: you would be surprised how useful a well designed cart becomes, ours has a drawer for on the go tools and parts, rails that support the robot off the wheels so we can service and test our drive train, and lot of other good stuff that really helps the pit crew work. (front and center)

the parts cart: a new thing in the pits this year, we are bringing a huge metal tool cabinet with nice deep drawers for all of the spare parts we need for the robot. fasteners, extra motors, custom parts, you name it. we made the terrible mistake of forgetting something like this last year and had NO fasteners or spare electronics stuff in the pits. (keeps the parts bins off the floor, bottom center)

it might also be good idea to bring an extra folding table or other surface to place stuff on. there is a ton of stuff going on in the pits, and limited space for laptops, robots, parts, tools, etc. so make sure you have planned and organized space in the pit to work in. also optional: a sign with your logo and your sponsors logo on it, so people will easily recognize, identify and remember you!(top)