Robot in 30 hours was an event held by Team #8680 Kraken Pinion at Homestead High School in Mequon. Teams were tasked with building a functional robot within the 30 hours after the FTC game reveal, and qualifying matches were held at the end. We attended the event as a team alongside some of the best teams in the state. The entire event was live streamed on YouTube, which provided publicity and community outreach opportunity. Our team split into smaller groups of 2-3 people after the reveal to develop different elements. We experimented with basic designs such as surgical tubing, gecko wheels, and others. We ultimately decided to split into two teams working on two different designs. 

Each team progressed with their respective robot, and worked towards creating functional intake, outtake, and transfer systems. Bot A was equipped with a gecko wheel intake and outtake via the same channel, and Bot B (pictured left) had a surgical tubing intake with a gecko wheel outtake.

This third iteration developed for our 2025–26 FTC Decode robot reflected a refined, competition-focused evolution of our overall mechanism strategy. Each subsystem was engineered to improve scoring consistency, optimize power transmission, and strengthen game piece control under the dynamic demands of match play.

Our servo-actuated gate, positioned above the outtake ramp, securely staged up to three artifacts prior to release. By regulating flow and preventing congestion at the transition point, the system eliminated jams while enabling rapid, precisely timed deployment. This controlled staging approach enhanced scoring consistency and preserved reliability during high-pressure competitive scenarios.

Our dual-motor configuration drove a single output shaft, combining power to significantly increase both torque and rotational speed. Integrated stealth wheels, designed to resist expansion at elevated RPMs, maintained consistent contact and energy transfer throughout operation. This pairing ensured durable performance, dependable grip, and fast, repeatable specimen ejection during intense match conditions.

Our dual-wheel intake system broadened acquisition capability while maintaining precise control. Surgical tubing on the leading wheel increased the effective intake angle, sweeping artifacts inward from varied approaches, while rubber bands on the secondary wheel stabilized and regulated transfer. Together, these elements created a balanced system that supported smooth acquisition, controlled handling, and consistent performance throughout gameplay.

This fourth iteration represents a deliberate evolution from our earlier designs, reflecting a strategic shift toward greater consistency, control, and competitive reliability. Building upon lessons learned from previous prototypes, we refined each subsystem to enhance performance under the demands of match play.

Our servo-actuated gate is mounted precisely atop the outtake ramp, where it securely stages up to three balls at a time. This configuration prevents jamming while maintaining controlled flow, allowing for rapid and accurate specimen deployment. Even under the pressure of competition, the mechanism delivers consistent scoring performance through its reliability and responsive speed.

At the heart of the outtake system, dual motors drive a single shaft, combining their output to significantly increase both torque and rotational speed. Stealth wheels, engineered to resist expansion at high RPMs, maintain dependable surface contact throughout operation. The result is consistent grip, enhanced durability, and swift, reliable specimen ejection during the most demanding phases of match play.

The intake system features a dual-wheel design optimized for adaptability and control. Surgical tubing on the front wheel gently yet effectively draws artifacts inward from a wider approach angle, while rubber bands on the secondary wheel secure and stabilize each piece. Together, these components ensure smooth acquisition, precise control, and fast, consistent handling throughout gameplay.

Stay tuned! We'll release details on our final design closer to States!