Back to top

Engineering Process

Our proprietary engineering process, based on the ISO/IEC 15288 standard, is detailed in our Engineering Notebook (which is provided to prospective clients by request). A summary of our process is provided below.

1. Requirements Analysis: Derive requirements from official game rules, the Q & A, and the Generic Kit Usage Guide.

2. Design: Brainstorm, prototype, perform alternatives analysis, and finalize the design.

3. Implementation: Model the design in Computer Aided Design (CAD) using Fusion 360 and Tinker CAD, then 3D print parts and make initial CNC cuts.

4. System Integration: Make final precision CNC cuts, complete robot assembly, and program the robot.

5. Verification and Validation: Test at each step of the engineering process from design to production.

6. Production: Make modifications based on game day performance and market the robot.

Work Showcase

Construction Safety

Construction Safety

The construction process for our robots involves the use of many different power tools. To reduce the risk of injury, all employees are required to complete safety training. This safety training includes:

• Safety briefing

• Hands-on training with tools

• Testing for knowledge of rules and procedures

An adult safety officer is always on duty when power tools are being used to ensure proper procedures are followed.

Construction Safety

Safe Shop

Safe Shop

A STAC device in use at our workshop

To further ensure the safety of our members, we implemented the Safe Shop system using Safe Tool Access Control (STAC) devices in our workshop.

Created by a former GEARS member, Safe Shop is an access control system for workshop tools that can be utilized to prevent untrained individuals from using potentially dangerous tools. This system provides an additional layer of protection for our team.

The STAC devices, each equipped with an RFID card reader and keypad, require individuals to be authenticated before granting the user access to a tool. Access is granted or denied by turning on or off power to the tool. The STAC devices all reference a common database, the contents of which are controlled by a web application. The web application allows our mentor to track users and their safety training in order to grant tool access to users appropriately.

The design, development documentation, and source code files are provided as an open-source project in GitLab.

Safe Shop

A STAC device in use at our workshop