This year we are using a new build process that the team captains put into place. Instead of making parts in random order or wait until we have all the parts before we assemble, we divided up the robot into multiple subsystems. We staggered the fabrication and assembly of the subsystems in logical order to maximize the use of the tools and minimize wait time. We also standardized how parts are attached together and pre-made those standard parts in week one. All of these small attachment brackets are in the CAD model and even the holes of the rivets are pre-planned. The result is a very systematic way of building and the robot comes together like furniture from IKEA.
One of the key for this success is by spending more time in CAD. All the attachments are planned and all the holes are predrilled on the drill press so there is no issue of hard to reach area for drilling. Another side benefit is the quality of the joints. Every piece is square to one another with no gaps unlike our previous years’ robots.
By the end of week two, the CAD model is done except for the turret and shooter. The shooter design is very intricate and will probably take the most amount of time to build. We hope to have the robot structure finished by Day 28 and electrical and pneumatics done by Day 34. This will give us plenty of time to calibrate the shooter and other sensors.