Mechanical Design

• Instructor: admin
• Lectures: 15
• Quizzes: 1
• Duration: 10 weeks

🔩 FTC Mechanical Fundamentals Lecture Content (Learning Outcomes)

1️⃣ Beginner Level: Basic Structure and Assembly

What is Learned in This Section?

Upon completing this beginner level, you will learn safe working methods in a robotics workshop and the correct use of basic hand tools. You will become familiar with the structural elements (channels, profiles, plates) and various fasteners (screws, nuts) found in the FTC kit. Using these fundamental parts, you will learn to design and assemble a robust chassis that forms the foundation of your robot, thereby creating a strong base for your machine.

2️⃣ Elementary Level: Transmission Systems and Drivetrains

What is Learned in This Section?

At this elementary level, you will grasp the basic working principles of gear, belt, and chain systems by understanding how power is transmitted from the motor to the wheels. You will learn to calculate the effect of gear ratios on the robot’s speed and torque. Additionally, you will gain the skills to build fundamental drivetrain configurations, such as 4-wheel and 6-wheel setups, and analyze the effects of the center of gravity—which is critical for robot stability—on mechanical design.

3️⃣ Intermediate Level: Manipulators and Advanced Motion

What is Learned in This Section?

This intermediate section focuses on the moving parts that allow your robot to perform tasks. You will learn to design and build simple robotic arm mechanisms and analyze the working principles of different intake mechanisms to select the most suitable design. You will understand the effects of friction and force analysis on design in moving systems. Finally, you will become familiar with advanced wheel systems like Omni and Mecanum, which provide higher maneuverability on the field, and learn how to integrate them into the chassis.

4️⃣ Advanced Level: CAD, Optimization, and Competition Readiness

What is Learned in This Section?

Upon completing this advanced section, you will gain the ability to think like an engineer. You will learn to draw and analyze your designs in a digital environment using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software (such as Fusion 360/Onshape), which is a standardized tool in robot design. You will gain the skill to perform optimization for peak performance by calculating torque, speed, and power requirements in mechanical systems. Furthermore, you will learn critical advanced techniques such as bearing support and fastening to build robots resilient to competition conditions, and develop effective testing and troubleshooting strategies for rapid robot repair.