2025 Weekly Build Progress
Our team had a good first week, prototyping a successful scoring mechanism and developing the idea of a “pass through” coral scorer. The design layout of major components on the robot was finalized and a test drivetrain was used to install and evaluate the cage corral design. The team developed a double push down set of “nubs” to try and lift the robot up. While the idea showed potential, it did not lift the robot up enough and was tilted/hanging down on the ground. All subteams started work for the season including CAD brainstorming, drafting of scouting app based on new game rules, electrical wiring and programming infrastructure and architecture. Reefscape buttons designs were made and button making started in full force!
Brainstorming Bots: Sparking Creative Ideas in the World of Robotics!
Full Speed Ahead – From Code to CAD, Our Team is On Fire!
Second week, and our team has had a strong start! Subsystem coding has started, simple commands have been implemented, and the final prototype drivetrain has been completed. The team has started working on prototypes in CAD for the game piece collector and scoring mechanisms. The Scouting team produced the official 8046 scouting app in MIT App Inventor. ReefScape buttons have been rapidly produced, and morale is up!
Second week, and our team has had a strong start! Subsystem coding has started, simple commands have been implemented, and the final prototype drivetrain has been completed. The team has started working on prototypes in CAD for the game piece collector and scoring mechanisms. The Scouting team produced the official 8046 scouting app in MIT App Inventor. ReefScape buttons have been rapidly produced, and morale is up!
In Week 3, the CAD team worked on final design of all major robot components. Aluminum tubing was fabricated to size with stock 1x1, 1x2 and 2x2 pieces and notched for the drive train. The corral for the cage was assembled and tested. After wiring the practice robot for the Code team, the new communication radios were programmed which allowed us to test field positioning at the practice field. The scouting team iterated our game app based on team feedback and business team worked on more buttons and various team banners.
Progress in Motion - Building, Testing, and Iterating at Full Throttle!
Halfway There: Locking In with Lasers, Limelight, and Field Positioning!
The fourth week has concluded and the team has kept the energy up! The robot's 3 stage elevator has officially been assembled, and a majority of the mechanic work has been completed, with nice, sleek powder-coated framing and gussets thanks to Harper's Precision Powder Coating! The Programming team has been working on debugging the robot's communication system, coding the laserCAN for intake, and made great progress with field positioning through the Limelight. Electrical has mapped out the wiring set up in preparation for next week. We enjoyed being on the ice this weekend selling our FootballMania SuperMatch tickets at the New England Pond Hockey Classic Tournament and are excited about wiring the robot next week!
Our Electrical team was super busy this week as they were finally given the robot to set the control panel and wire the drivetrain network, now that the robot framework is substantially complete. The ramp and related brackets were revised in CAD and manufacturing was started. The code team focused on subsystem code and implementation, position control loops and AprilTag positioning. Business team finalized team gear designs and is working on getting all orders in before comp season. We were able to drive our competition robot for the first time and it looks solid! Team 8046 is locked in on getting this robot ready for the practice field!
Wired for Success: Team 8046 Sparks Progress on the Road to Competition!
Week 6: It's Alive!
Following the completion of the electrical wiring, the software team successfully deployed all modifications under development. The team systematically assessed each subsystem to ensure that fundamental functionalities were operational. Rigorous testing was conducted on the elevator, manipulator, and climbing subsystems. To facilitate the implementation of the interior climbing mechanism, it was necessary to rewire the batteries in a designated orientation. A scouting meeting was held to evaluate the latest application intended for competitions, with plans to conduct testing during upcoming matches.
Following the completion of the electrical wiring, the software team successfully deployed all modifications under development. The team systematically assessed each subsystem to ensure that fundamental functionalities were operational. Rigorous testing was conducted on the elevator, manipulator, and climbing subsystems. To facilitate the implementation of the interior climbing mechanism, it was necessary to rewire the batteries in a designated orientation. A scouting meeting was held to evaluate the latest application intended for competitions, with plans to conduct testing during upcoming matches.
The team encountered a mechanical failure in our climbing system and had to determine whether to continue refining the existing design or to develop an alternative climbing mechanism. After implementing several critical modifications, we opted to proceed with the original design concept while simultaneously developing contingency plans in CAD. The software team focused on integrating PID position control across all subsystems, yielding several impressive functionalities. We look forward to bringing our robot to the practice field next week.
The team encountered a mechanical failure in our climbing system and had to determine whether to continue refining the existing design or to develop an alternative climbing mechanism. After implementing several critical modifications, we opted to proceed with the original design concept while simultaneously developing contingency plans in CAD. The software team focused on integrating PID position control across all subsystems, yielding several impressive functionalities. We look forward to bringing our robot to the practice field next week.
Week 7: Setbacks & Parallel Processing
Week 8: Final Stretch to Competition
This week, the Lakerbots spent many hours at the practice field testing the robot and starting drive practice. Huge thanks to Bear'ly Functioning, FRC 7913, who assisted our team during the break week in assembling the field and building scoring elements. We were excited to install 12 reef poles that were skillfully cut and welded by a close friend and supporter of the team. The speed of elevator positions for scoring was increased and development of autonomous programs were initiated. Our team successfully tested the climber multiple times and conducted practice timed matches to evaluate our scoring capability. Team members and mentors are all super proud of the progress we have made as a team over the last two (2) months and are looking forward to our upcoming competition!
This week, the Lakerbots spent many hours at the practice field testing the robot and starting drive practice. Huge thanks to Bear'ly Functioning, FRC 7913, who assisted our team during the break week in assembling the field and building scoring elements. We were excited to install 12 reef poles that were skillfully cut and welded by a close friend and supporter of the team. The speed of elevator positions for scoring was increased and development of autonomous programs were initiated. Our team successfully tested the climber multiple times and conducted practice timed matches to evaluate our scoring capability. Team members and mentors are all super proud of the progress we have made as a team over the last two (2) months and are looking forward to our upcoming competition!
The Lakerbots continued to get in more drive time at the practice field and work on several autonomous programs for the upcoming competition. A few minor changes were made to the intake and manipulator to grab the coral more effectively. The leadership team worked on their Impact Presentation and mock judge discussions were held to improve confidence in answering questions. We also spent some time assisting FRC 7913 with their code this season.
After our two district events, we added a limelight to allow vision during autonomous mode and minor mechanical modifications to be able to barge score.
Week 9: Refining Skills & Upgrading for Competition
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