What is the minimum and ideal size for a rookie team?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

In looking at this from a logistical standpoint, 8-10 students will allow there to be enough students on any given night to make it worth having mentors, materials, tools, etc. assembled in the same room. Can you build a robot with that few, and the answer will be a firm yes, provided you want to spend a great deal of time each week of the build. If you want to have some people working on software solutions, or some working on prototyping while others are building then you will need to add to your list. If you want to do some scouting and strategy then add a few more. If you want to meet with judges at an event then you will need some dedicated students in the pit that can talk.

A nice number gets you to about 20-25. This will allow you to build the robot, practice, do some software, do some strategy and do some fundraising for the future. We see small teams (12 or less) every year that do OK but there is a lot of stress for both students and mentors.