Mechanical/Fabrication

From RoboWiki

Mechanical work and Fabrication of a robot is vital to any robotics team. Without a group of dedicated workers constructing the robot the programers would have a pile of metal, carbon fiber, and odd nuts and bolts. The Team before build season arives should take time to dedicate a group of people who will focus on the mechanical construction of the robot. This group should have a Mill Specialist, a Saw/Cutter Specialist, and may include a Welder, a Gearing Specialist and Composites Specialist. These people along with many others should first be trained in robotics safety The group should then be trained in a variety of the jobs listed above to promote oversight and general education of members. Each member should be ready and willing to work while explaining the work they are doing. This helps to educate the younger (and older) students who deserve to know what is going on. As each person or groups of people complete a task have them begin to assemble the parts they have created. Once a basic chasis is completed have it assembled either to be welded or to be sent to a welding shop. As the bones of the robot come back together begin to work individually on parts that can best be completed by the specialist (while still maintaining oversight). Once the little details of the robot come together make sure to always have a mechanical or fabrication specialist on hand in case of changes or repairs.