FIRST Robotics Competition Blog

FIRST KitBot Details

Aug 17, 2023 Written by Fiona Hanlon, Ted Hood, and Kevin O’Connor, FIRST Robotics Competition Staff

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A few months ago, we shared a blog announcing that we were expanding the Kit of Parts to include a base robot specific to CRESCENDOSM presented by Haas. We are sharing more details to help teams make decisions before the Black Tote and Drive Base opt-out deadline (Oct. 19th 12pm noon ET).

This base robot will be called the KitBot. The KitBot is designed to be able to play some aspects of CRESCENDO, but not all. It’s also been designed so teams can build the KitBot and then further iterate on it to add additional features if they choose. Teams will still need basic power tools (drills, saws, etc.) in order to build this robot.

The KitBot is one component of the Kickoff Kit, and some of the materials needed to build the KitBot come in the Black Tote, Drive Base Kit, and Gray Tote (for rookies). The Gray Tote provides the electronics that teams need for the KitBot (veteran teams should have these components from previous seasons), and the Black Tote provides additional components. While the KitBot design could likely be adapted to any drive base, it is designed and documented using the Drive Base Kit, so teams looking for the smoothest experience should not opt out of the Drive Base Kit. Additional items that can be found in local hardware stores will need to be sourced for the robot. A shopping list will be made available closer to Kickoff.

KitBot documentation will be available to all teams, and many of the items from the Black Tote that are used to build the KitBot are components that Veteran teams likely already have on hand or can easily replicate. So, veteran teams should not consider the KitBot a significant factor in their Black Tote opt-out decision. We don't want you to opt into the Black Tote for the KitBot, then be disappointed that you would have rather received the voucher.

We are developing a number of resources to help teams building the KitBot. These resources will all be available online so even teams who choose not to build the KitBot will have access to review and learn from them. Resources we plan to make available include:

  • Build instructions for the KitBot with photos.
  • Basic code to operate the KitBot as designed in LabVIEW, Java, C++, and Python.
    • Software guide for each language exploring the code and possible controls modifications.
  • CAD drawings of the KitBot.
  • A guide to describe the process of adding or improving the functionality of the KitBot.
  • Assembly Videos.
  • And hopefully a few more!

We’re so excited for teams to use the KitBot and can’t wait to see its impact on FIRST® Robotics Competition!

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Comments

Submitted by John Gifford (not verified) on Thu, 08/17/2023 - 12:42pm

All this sounds good.  Even veteran teams have rookie team members, so this support will move them along!

Submitted by Brian Wagg (not verified) on Thu, 08/17/2023 - 1:09pm

Awesome news that I'm very excited to hear about!

One of the things mentioned here is that some parts will still need to be sourced locally by teams to build the 2024 KitBot. Considering what can be found in a typical American hardware store can often vastly differ from what can be found in other countries around the world, I'm wondering if FIRST could shed any light on what considerations or steps are being made for International teams in this regard

Submitted by Kevin O'Connor (not verified) on Fri, 08/18/2023 - 1:59pm

Great question Brian!

While we don't have local sourced material lists fully finalized yet, international part availability is definitely something we are thinking about as we work on the design and documentation. To the extent possible the KitBot will be designed and documented to accommodate metric equivalents for these locally sourced items.

Submitted by oidc_generic_a1... on Thu, 10/12/2023 - 3:48am
I'm on a veteran team, and I'm surprised by the stress that this KitBot mystery has produced in some people I've talked to! Sounds like the drive base is a usual, un-augmented, probably not radically upgraded drive base, readily available from AndyMark. Sounds like the Black Tote components, after assembly with assorted hardware and minor supplies & materials, will attach to that standard drive base (or a different drive base, with more effort) either momentarily or for the duration of the game. That assembly plus drive base will create a basic "plug and play" robot capable of performing some or most, but not all of the features of the game, if I understand this correctly. If you could give a ballpark estimate of the cost of the KitBot components, I wonder if that would help some skittish teams make their opt-in/out decision? Thanks for all the hard work you put into this!

Submitted by fhanlon on Tue, 10/17/2023 - 11:37am

Hello,

Thanks for reaching out. At this time, we are not able to share more details other than what is in the blog above. We completely acknowledge that we’re inviting team selection based on a vague description. As noted in the blog, KitBot documentation will be available to all teams, and many of the items from the Black Tote that are used to build the KitBot are components that Veteran teams likely already have on hand or can easily replicate. So, veteran teams should not consider the KitBot a significant factor in their Black Tote opt-out decision. Generally, we think that if you opted out of the Black Tote last season, you will still want to opt out of the Black Tote for this season

-Fiona Hanlon
FIRST Robotics Competition Team Experience Specialist

Submitted by oidc_generic_8a... on Wed, 10/18/2023 - 1:10pm

We are trying to decide whether or not we should opt out of the drive base for this year? There has been some mentor / coach turnover and we are not sure what was included in the drive base last year. Do you have any idea on a general list of parts that would be included in the drive base, or what was included last year? Specifically, if motors/motor controllers are included in the drive base?

Submitted by Generic Mentor (not verified) on Sun, 10/29/2023 - 2:04pm

AM14U5 - 6 Wheel Drop Center Robot Drive Base - 2023 FIRST Kit of Parts Chassis:

AM14U5 - 6 Wheel Drop Center Robot Drive Base - 2023 FIRST Kit of Parts Chassis - AndyMark, Inc

I don't represent FIRST, just seems like someone should let you know what last year's KoP chassis was, since that was one possible answer you were seeking.  No motors, no controllers, BOM (Bill of Materials) & further into at the AM website page linked above.  If I am mistaken, hopefully someone will offer correction.

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