Over the past few weeks, Team 254 hosted several workshops to help train new team members on the FIRST Robotics Competition Program and the various aspects with which students and parents can be involved.  A mandatory Team Basics workshop was held to inform about the program.  All students planning on working on the robot were encouraged to attend the mechanical workshop as well, which covered many specific engineering related items that will be utilized during the build season.

These workshops were a learning experience for all involved; mentors, adults, parents and returning students alike.  These were not rookie workshops and new topics were covered that were new to even the most veteran students.

The intent was not for everyone to learn and absorb everything at the workshops.  The hope has to give a brief, but somewhat in-depth explanation of the FIRST program and its intricacies, covering everything that we could manage in these short sessions.

Topics Covered

FIRST Robotics Team Basics

• History of FIRST and FIRST Ideals
• Game Strategy & Analysis, Previous Game Explanations, Successes and Failures
• Kit of Parts Familiarity, Understanding & Usage
• Best Practices, Obstacles & Conflicts to Avoid
• Build Period Timeline, Scheduling, Milestones, & Preparation
• Lab Safety, Tool & Machine Usage
• Lab Organization and Procedures
• Mentor & Engineer Roles in the Lab
• Expectations, Peer Delegated Tasks & Responsibilities

Mechanical Workshop

• Mechanical Components & Applications
• Mechanical Design Fundamentals
• Simplicity in Design
• Robot Physics
• Pneumatics
• CAD, 3D Modeling, Mechanical Drawings
• Strength of Materials, Material Properties, Material Selection
• Design Review & Analysis Procedures
• Manufacturability/Producibility/Design Feasability
• Process Understanding & Selection
• Manufacturing & Machine Shop Resources (Internal vs. External)
• Reliability & Maintainability

Electrical Workshop

• FRC Control System Specifics & Components
• General Electrical Component Understanding & Usage
• Electrical Fundamentals (Resistance, Current, Voltage, etc)
• FRC Robot-Specific Safety Concerns
• Proper Wiring Techniques & Importance
• Soldering, Crimping, etc
• Component & System Debugging/Troubleshooting

Power Tools Workshop

• Corded/Cordless Jigsaw
• Cordless Circular Saw
• Vertical/Horizontal Bandsaw
• Drill Press
• Bench grinder
• Belt/Disc Sander
• Miter Saw
• Hand Drill