Prototype and Build
An extension of Build, Prototype is dedicated to off-season and early season projects; testing innovations and ideas, along with developing methods of manufacturing and exploring new assembly processes. Prototype also works with Vex robotics systems to mock systems to be potentially used in the final robot.
Build manufactures the robot and provides feedback to Design on what they believe could be improved. Build is also responsible for preparation of the robot between matches at competitions and making repairs.
In addition, Build is responsible for working with Safety to train team members on the safe use of tools and various machines in the shop.
This year's Pre-season projects included:
- Setting up our tools and machines in our new smaller shop as the school undergoes reconstruction work
- Resurrect Balzac, our 2006 competition bot, to an operational state
- Refurbished our 2007 competition bot, Charlotte, and made minor improvements
- Reassembled the 2007 prototype chassis for testing 2008 prototype designs
- Tested various types of wheel tread materials
Season projects included:
- Full size prototyping of the ball grippers
- Prototyping of elevator and trolley
- Testing of pneumatics
- Custom manufacturing of specific bot components, like the chassis frame rails on our mill and axle parts on the metal lathe
- And last but not least, building our 2008 competition bot: Atlas!
Gearheads prototype and testing chassis, AKA the mule chassis
Atlas Prototype Bot
Prototype gripper with pneumatics
One team member teaches another how to use the mill
Gearhead milling never ends!
