We’re so excited for teams to use the KitBot and can’t wait to see its impact on FIRST Robotics Competition this year! We believe this is a great starter robot for teams, and there are so many aspects that teams can iterate on to improve this robot. We can’t wait to see variations of this KitBot as we travel to events this season. We want to share a few key points here that are important to all teams building the KitBot:
- The KitBot was designed to keep things very simple, which means there are opportunities to iterate and improve on the existing capabilities it has. With this in mind, teams may choose to add additional components to allow the robot to pick game pieces up off the ground, climb on the Barge, or more. Teams can reference the KitBot Enhancement/Iteration Guide for a process to explore these improvements.
- We highly recommend teams make representations of the field elements at home so they can test at home. Teams may also consider reaching out to their local Program Delivery Partner to find teams nearby who may have open practice fields. If your build space is limited, teams should ensure they use the practice fields at events to fine tune everything.
- We created a KitBot Overview video which highlights some of the specifics about what the KitBot can and cannot do on the field.
- If a team has questions or needs help, please ask!!
- The FIRST® Forums contain a specific section for posting questions or discussion about the KitBot. Staff will be monitoring this forum throughout the build and competition season and will attempt to provide timely answers to all questions.
Next, we want to make sure everyone is aware that we have a ton of resources available for all teams on the KitBot webpage. We want to call out a few things here:
- The KitBot Instructions are available in 7 languages including English. This document includes photos and step-by-step instructions to help teams build the superstructure.
- Thanks to some amazing volunteers for helping us translate this document and others! Check out the Translated section to see all documents that have been translated.
- New this year, the KitBot instructions also include some basic instructions for Bumpers.
- The wiring document has also been re-written this year with a focus on the KitBot and the hardware that has been in the KOP the past few years. Hopefully teams find it much easier to follow along!
- Additionally, there is an assembly video with two FIRST volunteers (who are also Alums!) that walks through and shows teams how to build the KitBot Superstructure.
- There is basic code and a software guide that explains the electronics configuration and the code available in 4 software languages - LabVIEW, Java, C++, and Python.
- We have provided the KitBot CAD (zip file – automatically downloads) in SOLIDWORKS and have provided drawings in both imperial and metric as well as 3D print and router files for the KitBot. Additionally, PTC remodeled the KitBot in Onshape.
- The KitBot Enhancement/Iteration Guide we mentioned earlier can be used by any team this season, regardless of if you build the KitBot or not. It helps outline a possible process teams could follow to brainstorm and decide on possible improvements to the KitBot, and it can be applied to any robot design.
Thanks to all of the suppliers who donated components to make the KitBot easier to build for teams this year. Finally, we want to remind teams that we know that improvements can be made to the KitBot for future seasons and urge you to consider sending feedback via email (frcteamadvocate@firstinspires.org) and/or in the End of Season Survey that is released in May.