The Controls and Electrical Teams work together to bring the Design and Build Teams’ mechanical creations to life. Our wiring delivers the robot’s life blood to its various mechanisms; our sensors make it more aware of itself and its surroundings; and our programming gives our creation the ability to “think” and “react” to both internal and external stimuli.
Responsibilities:
Controls:
- Work with Design Team to define all robot manual and autonomous functions
- Decide how pilot and copilot will control manual robot functions
- Specify and obtain additional control system hardware (speed controllers, relays, pots, switches, encoders, etc.)
- Design, build, and test custom copilot button box and controls enclosure
- Implement sensor feedback using Kit sensors and other off the shelf devices
- Develop custom sensing circuits for unique feedback applications
- Develop and test robot control program
- Provide controls and programming support to all teams at the competitions we attend
Electrical:
- Ensure the proper motors are allocated to each robot function
- Provide temporary wiring to Build Team prototypes that require it
- Maintain healthy stock of consumables (cable, solder, heat shrink, etc.) to last throughout the season
- Work with Design Team to layout control system within the framework of the robot model
- Assemble the robot controls board and mount to robot
- Neatly and safely wire and label the robot’s electrical components according to the Competition Manual Rules
- Document the robot’s power and signal distribution system for future reference
- Provide electrical support to all teams at the competitions we attend
