This year’s robot features a slide-on–slide-off rail system that allows its single-arm module to be mounted swap-and-go on either side of the chassis. With this design, the robot can efficiently execute high-basket scoring—the arm extends approximately 1.5 m upward to deposit game pieces into elevated baskets—and also transition smoothly to a high-rung climb, using the same mechanism to latch on and perform a secure hang. The slide mechanism employs hardened aluminum rails and low-friction bearings, while a pneumatic latch locks the arm firmly in place. Actuation is managed by a harmonic-drive shoulder paired with a telescoping lead-screw or belt-driven extension, offering precise, quiet motion. Encoders and vision feedback enable accurate targeting and collision avoidance. Structurally, the shared rail-base-arm system reduces redundancy, cuts overall weight, and simplifies wiring. Quick module swaps allow the team to mirror configurations mid-match or recover from arm jams by relocating the entire module. This hybrid approach yields both scoring and climbing capability without needing a second arm, enhancing both flexibility and reliability.
Our robot’s foundation is based off the GoBilda Stafer Chassis but has been slightly modified to accommodate a wider wheelbase for stability. The widened wheelbase also gave us more flexibility on mounting points for things like control/expansion hubs. Our intake and deposition system is a front-facing double claw, accompanied by a 2 stage linear slide. We found this most optimal, as it reduced error from a separate intake, and simplified the whole robot. The whole slide + claw system is mounted in between 2 towers, built to support the motors for the slide, as well as accommodate a motor to vertically pivot the slide. The drone launcher is mounted beside the linear slide and attached to the lever. That gives us the ability to lift the drone launch to the perfect angle that provides us the precision to launch our drone. We are proud of our robot and the hard work that has gone into making it what it is today. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for our robot.