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Electromechanical
Who We Are
The Electromechanical subgroup deals with all physical aspects of the robot. Formed at the conclusion of the Official Competition 2018-2019 Season, Electromechanical is the product of merging the former Electrical and Mechanical subgroups. Handling both the electrical and mechanical elements of robotics, Electromechanical is responsible for the design, construction, wiring, documentation, maintenance, and repairs of the robot. In order for the robot to perform to the best of its abilities, we work closely with the Software subgroup and Systems Task Group to excel in all technical fields of the robot. Aside from robot fabrication, output also includes Off-Season and community projects, such as light displays, robot demonstrations, 3D printing various models, and constructing parts for our local sponsors.
Design
Working in conjunction with the Requirements Team, Electromechanical designs the robot with different computer-aided design (CAD) software, varying year to year. In 2019-2020, we plan to use Solid Works. Anyone who has experience with CAD is encouraged to help out with the design of the robot, regardless of their subgroup. Before mechanisms are designed in Solid Works, students of the subgroup build prototypes of various different mechanisms to showcase to the Requirements Team. In order to get the parts that Team 1073, design begins immediately after decisions about mechanisms are made. While designing the frame and mechanisms of the robot, the subgroup plans for the electrical systems on board the robot. Using the provided CAD models of the used electronics, students design the electrical board on the robot so that the wiring is pristine and durable. Once the design is complete, the parts’ drawings are sent to our sponsors to be cut. Even after the robot is complete, students continue to design 3D printed models for various mounts and models for a variety of usages, such as wire management.
Documentation
Electromechanical places a high priority on documenting its work. Through software called SmartDraw, we make wiring diagrams of the robot to track the status of the robot, which makes repairing and changing the robot far easier. Aside from custom documentation, the documentation of all electronics that we use are kept in binders for easy reference.
Pneumatics
FRC provides various outlets for the use of pneumatics. Team 1073 most notably used pneumatics in the past for shifting between high and low gear on the robot’s famously strong drive trains. Electromechanical does not use pneumatics on the 2023 robot.
Membership
Electromechanical has many tasks and operations throughout the year, thus is looking for as many members as possible. Absolutely no experience is needed, and we encourage all students to check us out; whether you are an incoming freshman or going into your senior year. Electromechanical covers diverse areas of study and offers students a chance to explore areas of interest in depth. Depending on the size of the subgroup, not all members can be in the shop at all times, but nonetheless there are many enriching tasks to complete outside of the workshop.
Leadership and Structure
Electromechanical is the largest subgroup on the team, thus having a more complex structure in relation to the other subgroups. Similar to the others, the student VP is in charge of the subgroup as a whole. From there, the subgroup is divided into smaller task-groups. Unlike the Systems and Events Task Groups, these task groups are specific to Electromechanical. The presence of task groups allows students to specialize in specific areas of interest. This assures all aspects of the subgroup are executed in the most efficient manner possible and allows students to extensively explore the subjects of robotics that they are interested in. Some of the Electromechanical task groups include Design, Electrical, End-Effector, Prototyping, and multiple mechanism-based (changes yearly) groups. Each task group is either overseen directly by the VP or by a separate manager.