CAD Level 4 - Full Robot Integration

Learning Objective

Lead comprehensive robot design architecture from concept through manufacturing, coordinate multi-disciplinary design teams across mechanical, electrical, and programming domains, perform advanced engineering analysis including FEA stress analysis and center of gravity calculations, manage design iterations based on testing feedback, and create complete manufacturing documentation while mentoring junior designers and maintaining design knowledge transfer systems. This level represents a proven, multi-season record of excellence in CAD and design leadership, and is expected to take several seasons to accumulate the prerequisites and requirements it involves.

Prerequisites

• CAD Level 3 - Robot Subsystem Design
• Project Management Level 2 - Team Coordination
• One additional technical Level 2+

Primary Resources

• KrayonCAD (rapid robot architecture modeling tool)
• OnShape Enterprise features
• FIRST Excellence in Engineering Award Workbook
• FRCDesign.org -- Mechanism Examples

Tasks

1. System Architecture & Design Leadership

   • Use a rapid architecture tool (e.g. KrayonCAD) to block out overall robot layout options early in a season
   • Master OnShape's enterprise/project-management features
   • Develop overall robot architecture and design philosophy
   • Coordinate multiple subsystem designs and interactions
   • Manage design timeline, milestones, and dependencies
   • Lead weekly design reviews with the entire technical team
   • Create and maintain system-level requirements and specifications
   • Leadership Project: Lead full robot design from game analysis to final CAD
     • Coordinate 3+ subsystem design teams
     • Manage design schedule and resource allocation
     • Ensure design integration and compatibility
   • Assessment: 360-degree feedback from team members and mentors

2. Advanced Engineering Analysis

   • Master OnShape's advanced simulation capabilities (nonlinear FEA, dynamic analysis)
   • Perform comprehensive stress analysis on critical structural components
   • Analyze center of gravity, moment of inertia, and stability
   • Optimize designs for weight, strength, and performance trade-offs
   • Validate electrical clearances and EMI considerations using OnShape
   • Create detailed engineering analysis reports
   • Analysis Project: Complete a comprehensive robot analysis package
     • Structural analysis of chassis and critical components
     • Center of gravity analysis in multiple configurations
     • Weight optimization study with performance impact
   • Assessment: Engineering analysis review by a professional engineer mentor

3. Manufacturing Coordination & Documentation

   • Master OnShape's manufacturing-specific features (drawings, BOMs, work instructions)
   • Generate a complete manufacturing documentation package
   • Coordinate closely with Manufacturing Level 3+ students
   • Plan manufacturing sequence, dependencies, and timeline
   • Create detailed assembly instructions and quality check procedures
   • Manage vendor relationships for outsourced manufacturing
   • Manufacturing Project: Lead the complete robot manufacturing process
     • Generate all required manufacturing documentation
     • Coordinate with the machine shop and external vendors
     • Manage manufacturing timeline and quality control
   • Assessment: Successful robot manufacturing with minimal issues

4. Continuous Improvement & Knowledge Transfer

   • Establish a design iteration process based on testing feedback
   • Create a comprehensive design documentation and knowledge base using OnShape
   • Implement lessons learned from competition performance
   • Mentor multiple Level 1-3 CAD students
   • Document design rationale and decision-making process
   • Create design templates and standards for future seasons
   • Legacy Project: Create a comprehensive CAD knowledge transfer system
     • Standardized OnShape workspace templates
     • Design review process documentation
     • Mentoring curriculum for future design leaders
   • Assessment: Successful knowledge transfer demonstrated by student progression

Level 4 Completion Requirements

• Lead a complete robot design and manufacturing process, reviewed and signed off by a mentor
• Master OnShape's professional-level features
• Successfully mentor at least 2 junior designers to Level 2+
• Create a lasting knowledge transfer system (templates, documentation, mentoring curriculum)

← Back to CAD Training