Dive into Robotics with the Engineering Design Process

Preparing your robotics team for a competition is an exciting journey that goes beyond simply assembling a robot and programming code. It requires creativity and strategy. Applying the engineering design process is a great way to ensure your team is ready for action! Get ready to dive into the fundamental steps of this process and discover new insights on how best to prepare your team and robot for the challenges ahead. Explore cutting-edge robotics solutions from Studica Robotics, to elevate your performance in competitions like the FIRST^® Technical Challenge (FTC). Discover how to help your team turn their ideas into innovations ready to conquer the competition!

Engineering Design Process

Join us as we explore each major step of the engineering design process, uncovering how it directly relates to gearing up for a successful robotics competition!

1. Define

Identify the Problem: Everything begins by defining the problem that needs to be solved and the tasks that must be completed. During kick-off for your robotics competition, you will learn about the game and your objectives. For FTC, the INTO THE DEEP℠ presented by RTX challenge, will kick-off on September 7, 2024.

2. Ask

Criteria and Constraints: Understand the requirements and constraints for your robot, detailed in the competition’s game manual and rule book. For FTC, refer to the Competition Manual.
Current Solutions: Seek out existing solutions. Are there current options available for this type of task? Have you built robots in the past that could complete the required tasks? Dive into research on existing robot design ideas that might spark inspiration and provide valuable insights.

3. Imagine

Brainstorming: This is the moment to get creative and have fun. During brainstorming, gather all potential solutions for your problem without worrying about criteria or constraints. List every idea that comes to mind—you can refine them later.
Design Resources: Use sketches, 3D CAD models, and other design tools to bring your robot to life.

4. Plan

Potential Solutions: Consider the information you have gathered and the ideas your team has generated. Identify which potential solutions make sense for your competition based on the game's criteria and constraints.
Resources Required: For each potential solution, identify the resources needed to create these robot designs.

5. Prototype

Develop and Prototype Solutions: This is another exciting part of the competition prep season! Here, you create prototypes of the robots you want to use in the competitions.

6. Test

Testing: Now, put your robot prototypes to the test! Testing will help you determine if your designs meet the criteria, solve the problems, complete the tasks, and can help you win the competition.

7. Iterate

Iteration: Based on the results, iterate through the steps of the engineering design process until your robot design meets the criteria. Using the engineering design process is crucial for guiding students to synthesize their thinking through the lens of STEM.

Robotics Solutions for FTC

Studica Robotics provides a range of innovative solutions to help your team excel in competitions while applying the engineering design process this season. Dive into the details of the FTC Starter Kit and the FTC Drive Base Kit to discover how each can elevate your team's performance.

FTC Starter Kit

The FTC Starter Kit is an affordable competition set that includes a wide array of robot parts needed to prepare for the season. View Price. Along with the parts, you'll find an OMS Build Guide for constructing an arm build. Both the pushbot and arm build can be completed using the contents of the FTC Starter Kit, making it an excellent way to get your team ready for the competition season. Includes:

Structural Channels, Plates, and Brackets: Strong, safe anodized aluminum parts for lightweight, durable builds. Various lengths are included to meet your build’s needs without requiring machining or special equipment.
Standard Drive Wheels and Omni-Wheels: Includes 4 standard 100mm drive wheels and 2 Omni-wheels for drivetrain builds.
Servos and DC Motors: Includes FIRST^® legal servos and AndyMark motors.
Hardware and Tools: Includes metric 7-piece hex keys, a screwdriver, and a wrench. Studica Robotics structure utilizes M3 hardware.
Storage Bin: Convenient for storing all your parts.
FIRST^® Legal Logitech Remote Controller: Needed to control your robot.

FTC Drive Base Kit

The FTC Drive Base Kit – v2 includes the items you need to build a basic Mecanum drive base, a popular choice in FTC competitions. This kit provides the materials for the chassis and FIRST^®-legal motors to power your robot. To add electronics, you'll need to purchase the FTC Starter Kit or you can order all the electronics elements separately.

Note: Building a competition robot often requires more than one kit. These robotics kits, along with a cutting-edge robotics solutions, like those offered by Studica Robotics, can further elevate your team's performance in the FIRST^® Technical Challenge (FTC) and other robotics competitions. Embrace your journey with confidence, knowing you have the tools and guidance to achieve success this season.