AI FutureFTC Team #31591

Design · BIOBUZZ 2026–27

Our robot

We designed the whole robot as one model in Onshape and made many of its parts ourselves: plywood plates on a laser cutter and custom pieces on a 3D printer.

How we design and build

Our custom parts are written as code in Onshape (FeatureScript), so changing one size updates every part that depends on it. Every change follows the same steps:

  1. Change the model in Onshape.
  2. Rebuild and check for clashes, so no two parts overlap and the robot still fits inside the 18-inch starting size.
  3. Export the files: laser-cutting files for plywood plates, STL files for 3D printing.
  4. Make and fit the part, then test it on the robot.
  5. Write it up in our engineering notebook: the problem, the numbers, the options and the result.

Subsystems

Drivetrain

Chain-driven drive pods. We worked out the chain length and axle standoff for the pod spacing, and fixed splice bolts that were hitting the chain. EN-07

Intake

Pulls Pollen into the robot. When we switched to new tubing, we designed 3D-printed end caps to fit it. EN-10

Sorter

A guide rail and ramp that move Pollen toward the shooter. The ramp kept breaking, so we redesigned the rail and added a laser-cut back wall. EN-04 · EN-09

Shooter

Launches Pollen to score. We designed laser-cut side walls to enclose it. EN-08

Frame

Our plates were bigger than the laser cutter's bed, so we split them and joined the pieces with seam clamps. The clamps took three versions to get right. EN-01 · EN-05

Electronics

A REV Control Hub drawer and back plate designed so we can reach the wiring quickly. EN-11

What it's made of

  • Laser-cut plywood for plates, walls and the back plate
  • 3D-printed PLA for custom parts like end caps and mounts
  • REV through-bore bearings EN-02
  • 8-32 bolts EN-03
  • goBILDA wheels and a REV Control Hub