Start with the motion you need. A repeating push, an intermittent rotation, and a compliant grasp lead to different reading lists. Sketch the input and output before opening another browser tab. You will have a better chance of recognizing a useful mechanism.

Trace a linkage

Browse the drawings in 507 Mechanical Movements and choose one mechanism. Draw the fixed points, trace a moving point through a cycle, and mark the positions where the linkage changes direction. The site includes animations for some entries. Use them to check your sketch, then close the animation and explain the motion yourself.

507 Mechanical Movements ↗
Schematic robot arm with marked joints
VnV working drawing. Original schematic illustration, not an experimental result.

Read the fabrication notes

The Soft Robotics Toolkit collects design and fabrication resources. Pick one actuator and examine the manufacturing steps before thinking about a whole robot. List the equipment and materials you would need, including the pieces that do not appear in the finished photograph.

Soft Robotics Toolkit ↗

For competition context, begin with the organizer’s site and follow its resources to the applicable season. Check the document date before copying a dimension into CAD. Keep your reading notes with the design file so a teammate can retrace the decision.

FIRST Robotics Competition ↗
Written by VnV Demo Desk.

Have a correction or a different result? Write to the editor.