Mechanical Team: Build, Design, and Dominate the Competition

Mech Team Resources (Please MASTER all resources before September 6th, 2025!):

Overview: In the mechanical team, you are responsible for building, designing, and testing the hardware of the robot, while maintaining efficiency and speed. It is THE most important subteam in Grizzly Tech, as programming and outreach depends on us to create a functional, competitive robot.

Commitment Expectations: Make sure you show up to every single subteam/general meeting! We will be grinding away for the first semester! The 2nd semester is competition time, so consistency and dedication are absolutely crucial.

Tentative Timeline for Mechanical Design 2025-2026 Season:

Week immediately after kickoff (September 6th-September 13th): Brainstorm and draw first designs while thoroughly reviewing the game video and rules

2nd & 3rd week (September 13th-September 27th): Complete CAD designs and begin machining custom parts if needed

September 27th-October 4th: Start building with parts we already have in inventory and order new components if needed

October 4th-October 11th: Test all components and mechanisms, complete full robot build if possible

October 11th-October 18th: Integrate with software team and prep for Meet 0

After Meet 0: Continuous optimization and development for Meet 1, 2, 3 and beyond!

Essential Resources Listed Below:

CAD Software Mastery:

If you are completely new to CAD: Start here with comprehensive fundamentals

• Resource: https://learn.onshape.com/learning-paths/introduction-to-cad

• Action Item: Complete all modules and practice exercises

If you know CAD but on a different platform (Fusion 360, SOLIDWORKS), transition to our team standard:

• Resource: https://learn.onshape.com/learning-paths/onshape-fundamentals

• Focus: Learn Onshape-specific workflows and collaboration features

Additional Onshape Training:

• Video Library: https://learn.onshape.com/catalog?labels=%5B%22Learning%20Format%22%5D&values=%5B%22Video%22%5D

• YouTube Series: Search "Beginner Tutorial 1/5 - Onshape 3D CAD - Creating Sketches and Objects"

• Action Item: Work through at least 10 different tutorial videos

FTC-Specific Mechanical Knowledge:

Game Manual Zero (GM0) - Your Bible for FTC Robotics:

• Critical Resource: https://gm0.org/en/latest/

• Important!!! These are the key parts of the robot YOU need to know! Go through EVERY tab thoroughly

• Focus Areas: Drivetrain design, intake mechanisms, scoring systems, and control systems

• Action Item: Read and understand each section, take notes on key concepts

Real-World Examples and Inspiration:

• Team Build Documentation: Search YouTube for "6417 Blu Cru | Behind the Bot | INTO THE DEEP Robot" playlist

• Purpose: See how successful teams approach design challenges and construction techniques

• Action Item: Watch multiple team reveal videos and analyze their design decisions

Mathematical and Physics Foundations:

• Resource: https://firstroboticsbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MathForRobotics_Final2018.pdf

• Note: Best supplemented with AP Physics knowledge

• Focus: Gear ratios, torque calculations, and motion analysis

Official FTC Resources:

• Comprehensive Guide: https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/ftc/robot-building-resources

• Use: Reference for rules, parts specifications, and building guidelines

Electronics Integration:

• Essential Guide: https://docs.revrobotics.com/duo-control/menu/control-hub-gs/wiring-diagram

• Purpose: We use this format for ALL our robots each season

• Skills You'll Learn: Control Hub/Expansion Hub setup, proper wiring techniques, and robot power systems

• Action Item: Study wiring diagrams and understand power distributio

Next Steps: Once you've worked through these resources, demonstrate your readiness by sketching initial robot concepts and explaining your design reasoning to our mechanical leads. Come prepared to discuss specific mechanisms and how they might solve this year's game challenges!