Robot Design
Designed by Ziming. Built by the team. Broken in by competition.
Mistakes & Lessons
With only one meeting per week and inconsistent attendance, we couldn't finish our intake mechanism by LM3 despite solid prototypes at LM2. That delayed coding and driver practice — but we learned hard lessons about time management and prioritization.
Modularity
Every major subsystem is a module — remove 4 to 8 screws and swap or repair without touching the rest of the robot.
V1
- Duo's standard channel rails
- Intake and launcher mounted separately
- Quick removal for early testing
V2
- Motors, ramps, and tubes all removable
- Enhanced modularity for faster repairs
Reliability & Low Maintenance
Built on REV's proven DUO FTC Starter Bot platform — robust channel drivetrain, double-supported shafts, reliable intake.
V1
- Survived 20+ matches with no breakage
- Minimal repair work needed
- Time spent improving, not rebuilding
V2
- Built to last 200 rounds
- Added walls and better balance
- Enhanced durability and stability
Driver-Centered Design
All scoring actions are mapped to single buttons — no combos. The driver focuses on lining up, not remembering sequences.
V1
- Clear sight lines and intuitive controls
- Score under pressure without frustration
V2
- Everything planned around how our driver operates
- Simple controls = focus on scoring and awareness
Clean Serviceability
We prioritize easy access so we can swap motors or fix wiring fast in the pit. Minutes matter during competitions.
V1
- Accessible wiring
- Centered battery placement
- Modular channels
V2
- Reliability and easy repair
- Enhanced serviceability features
Initial Design: REV Starter Bot
Our first robot for LM1 was the REV Starter Bot — plastic ramp to hold artifacts, flywheel to launch them into the bin. Simple, but it got us on the field.
Software Improvements
Major changes included a fully working 3-ball autonomous routine, plus tweaks to motor power levels and servo directional control.
Final Robot
Our final robot has a fully functioning 3-ball intake powered by a chain-link conveyor system for reliable multi-artifact pickup. It runs a consistent 9-ball autonomous routine.