How to train manipulator...without robot?

[HarryO]

Hey everyone,

I’m very curious as to what teams do to train your manipulator when the robot is not completed yet? We want to best prepare them for competition, and while we will try our best to make time behind the stick for them by aiming to finish robot early, I think it would be nice if they could receive some training early.

For reference, we use Xbox controllers for our manipulator.

Any suggestions are welcome! Thanks everyone.

[Aaron_Li]

By manipulator, do you mean drivers of the robot?

[HarryO]

Oh sorry, I should’ve been more clear. We have a driver who controls the drivebase and a manipulator who controls the mechanisms.

[Aaron_Li]

I see. Before it happens, much of this forum uses the term “operator” to refer to your “manipulator” equivalent.

---

Does your manipulator have past drive team experience?

[HarryO]

Thanks for clarifying

We are currently training multiple potential operators with experiences ranging from none to a couple matches during last season.

[nstrike]

Simulation!

[BradenLynn3937]

Come up with the controls and what buttons does what and put it in an excel sheet and then take time to learn what buttons would happen in what sequence (e.g: Intake is LT, then extend coral to l4 is X, and then place coral on L4 is RT). You may not be able to see it and fully get the timing right, but it will help the operators get a feel for what does what and the order that events will need to happen in for your robot’s strategy.

[Joe_Ross]

Great story about hardwork and dedication

A crazy scenario unfolded on our team this weekend, and I wanted to tell the story since it has a great ending where hard work with the possibility of no reward really paid off. Backstory: We were selected to be a part of the 5th seeded alliance by team 987 (big thanks, btw). About 10 minutes before wheeling our robot to the field, our arm operator Daveonna experienced an excessive nosebleed (she gets nosebleeds every so often, but it’s usually not a big deal). It got much worse while at the…

[joaq]

My experience with training as a Drive Team without a robot:

1. Coordination and Communication Games:

• Practice games like “Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes”. These activities improve communication under pressure and help build teamwork between the chassis driver and operator/manipulator. They simulate scenarios where quick and effective information-sharing is essential.

2. Simulators:

• Use FRC simulators like XRC Sim or MoSim. These are great tools for replicating competition scenarios. You can connect two controllers: one student (driver) operates the robot using the joysticks, while the other (operator) handles additional robot functions. Simulators aren’t just for full match practice; you can use them to create drills focused on specific skills, like precision placement, quick alignment, or practicing specific maneuvers repeatedly.

3. Callout Plans:

• Implement a structured callout plan for clear communication:
  • Use consistent phrases for robot actions (e.g., “coral station,” “score l4,” “algae”).
  • Create a flow of communication to ensure everyone (manipulator, driver, and drive coach) knows when and how to speak up during a match.
  • Practice these callouts regularly so they become second nature during real matches.

4. Video Review and Feedback:

• Record simulator sessions or any training drills you do, then review them as a team:
  • Look for opportunities to improve communication, timing, or specific maneuvers.
  • This process helps refine both individual skills and overall team strategy.

5. Team Chemistry:

• Build strong chemistry between the manipulator, driver, and drive coach. A team that trusts and understands each other can adapt better to unexpected situations during a match. Take time to get to know your teammates and practice working as a cohesive unit.

By combining these steps, you can help your drive team develop the technical skills, communication habits, and teamwork needed for success—even before the robot is ready.

For more ideas and a deeper dive into effective driver training, I highly recommend watching this video from Citrus Circuits. It’s packed with helpful tips and strategies that you might find useful. Best of luck, and I hope this helps! :D.

[HarryO]

Wow. That story just blew me away. It’s truly a shame that I haven’t seen it sooner—it would’ve shaped my perspective on FRC. Regardless, this is a story for the ages that I will for sure pass on to the rest of my team! More people need to know about this. Huge thanks, @Joe_Ross!

[HarryO]

Thank you guys so much for all the suggestions! We will work to plan out operator control mappings and organize some practices. I’m thinking perhaps coming up with a sequence of actions, put them in some slides, and move through them. A team communication game would also be wonderful!