“ It’s great idea to divide up tasks to different groups such as programming, chassis, electrical, etc. But all FRC teams face an even steeper mission – your team’s groups have to be perfectly integrated in a collaborative, successful robot. The...

It’s great idea to divide up tasks to different groups such as programming, chassis, electrical, etc. But all FRC teams face an even steeper mission – your team’s groups have to be perfectly integrated in a collaborative, successful robot.

The drivers need to know the control system from the programmers. The programmers need to know how the robot mechanically moves. The electronics people need to know what on the robot moves, or “sees”. The hardware people need to design the moving parts of the robot. All of these people and parts need to mesh together precisely to make your robot come to life.

Integration requires constant communication within your team. Compare the different teams’ levels of progress to the ultimate design goal frequently. This will help you to make sure that each part will fit together and what doesn’t has a plan to be fixed.

Integration may seem simple, but it can be easily overlooked and lead to disastrous ends for your robot and your team.

~Girls of Steel, FIRST Team #3504