2026 WEEKLY BUILD PROGRESS FOR:
Week 1 launched the 2026 Rebuilt Season with an exciting Kickoff weekend, where we watched game reveal videos, broke down match strategy, and started deciding what our robot needs to do to be competitive. We brainstormed ideas for the intake, hopper, feeder, launcher, climber, and drivetrain while researching designs used by top teams in past games. Prototyping started right away, with multiple wooden intake and feeder prototypes built to test roller geometry, and early CAD work beginning on the turret launcher, climber, elevator, and active-floor hopper. We also updated all of our code, assigned CAN IDs, and finalized drivetrain dimensions to keep the robot low enough for field obstacles. By the end of the week, we had CNC-machined our first major part—a large aluminum turret gear—and locked in key design goals focused on fast ball collection, high launch flow, and a reliable Level 1 climb.Â
Week 2 was a heavy prototyping week focused on building and testing early robot systems. We built and tested Intake Prototype #3 and continued rapid prototyping across the launcher, hopper, climber, and elevator. Version 1 of the launcher prototype was built out of wood, while CAD progressed on the climber, elevator, and electrical panel. Manufacturing ramped up with CNC machining of aluminum launcher hood parts and fabrication of spindexer shafts and rolloff components. Code work focused on establishing subsystems and setting up vision, including camera configuration and calibration. Key design updates this week included switching the hopper to a spindexer system, moving to a single-turret launcher design due to space constraints, and beginning exploration of a potential Level 3 climber. Beyond the robot, 7th grade students helped by building field elements and designing season buttons, and the team collaborated with FRC Team 319 to build most of the practice field at the Lakes Region Robotics Center.Â
Week 3 focused on assembling and refining our robot systems while continuing student skill development. Our 7th grade students worked on season buttons, built the tower section of the field, helped with weekly website updates, and learned about the Scouting App by reviewing last year’s version and researching new ideas on Chief Delphi. On the robot, we CNC machined polycarbonate and aluminum parts for the turret launcher and intake, redesigned climber brackets for better mounting, revised climber tubing for added strength, and completed chain assembly on two climbers. We began assembling Intake/Feeder Version 5, assembled Turret Version 1 and Spindexer Version 2, lightened drivetrain rails and intake plates to reduce weight, and continued programming work on turret behavior, subsystems, and prototype testing, alongside ongoing CAD for the electrical panels.Â
Week 4 focused on system integration and testing as multiple subsystems came together. We successfully tested the spindexer, intake, and launcher, finalized Version 5 of the intake pivot system, and continued refining intake roller spacing while adding an additional roller to prevent jamming. Manufacturing progressed with cut and milled hopper and turret supports, completion of the main electrical panels, and wiring of the drivetrain. We assembled the competition drivetrain, transferred electronics and swerve modules from the code bot, and completed assembly of the launcher with powder-coated plates and the feeder. On the software side, began implementing subsystems into code, created and tested smart dashboard buttons, and developed basic commands. We also discussed spindexer gear ratio changes for variable speed control, riveted the field tower together, and submitted the Impact Award.
Week 5 was a major integration week as our robot officially came to life. We completed preliminary wiring, brought key functions online, and got the robot driving. The final version of the intake was assembled with updated roller and belt spacing, while climber manufacturing wrapped up with new metal mounting brackets, a CNC’d climbing arm, and mounting to the robot. We also machined bottom skid plates and made small refinements, including reducing friction on the climber by shaving down powder coating. Off the field, our Scouting App for the season was officially created. With systems coming together and the robot moving under its own power, we’re entering the final stretch of build season.Â
Week 6 focused on refinement and preparing for full-field testing. We continued wiring the robot and developing clean wire management for the energy chain system. Mechanical updates included testing our first hook design, adding a hard stop to the intake, and installing netting above the intake for added control. Our scouting spreadsheet was created to support match strategy, and by the end of the week, we officially moved our pit and operations to the practice field to begin the next phase of preparation.Â
Week 7 focused on final refinements and bringing all robot systems fully online. The team created Version 2 of the climber hooks to improve performance and reliability while continuing mechanical adjustments. On the programming side, all robot functions were implemented, vision tracking was integrated for targeting, and work began on developing autonomous routines. With systems now communicating and automation beginning to take shape, the robot is getting ready for competition play.
Week 8 was all about preparing for our first competition. The team tested the updated climber hooks on the practice field and successfully completed a Level 1 climb. We also ran full drive matches to test robot performance and continued improving and adding autonomous routines. With final adjustments made and systems performing well, the team is ready to head to the Pine Tree Week 1 Event in Falmouth, Maine to kick off our 2026 competition season.
Read more about the event HERE. (insert link)
Week 9 focused on refining and strengthening several robot systems following our first competition. Updates to the intake included adding a larger front plate to increase capacity, replacing compliant wheels for improved grip on game pieces, and redesigning rollers to prevent future breakage. The spindexer was also iterated with a new gear ratio for increased torque, improved compression, adjusted side wall angles, and the addition of a center cone to better funnel game pieces. We also reversed the direction of the star roller to increase intake speed into the ball tunnel. On the climber, cables were upgraded from rope to steel and turnbuckles were removed for improved reliability. Off the robot, the team continued refining our scouting app and spreadsheet, with middle school students running additional scouting tests by analyzing matches from the Pine Tree Event.
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