Rookie team--arm/manipulator design

[JimBryson]

I am a mentor on a brand new team (just started on the kickoff day) with only a couple mentors and only 10-15 students (mostly freshmen). We are almost done building the KOP base (just need to add the chains) and almost have the basic electrical system put together out. Friday we hope to be able to drive the base using the joysticks.

I feel we are way over our heads on arm/manipulator design and fabrication. Neither the mentors or the students have much design experience or fabrication equipment. Years ago, when my kids were little we used to watch the Great Lakes Regional, but I've never looked closely at how the arms are built.

Can people offer any advice how to begin designing it? We just don't know where to start. Are there design guides/resources online?

Thanks for any help anyone can offer.