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KitBot Feb. 2 2024| 0 KB

Content Type: FIRST Robotics Competition
Tags: Robot Build/Assembly, Robot Kit, Technical
(2)

KitBot

The KitBot is designed to be able to play some aspects of each year's game, 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, which is part of the Kit of Parts, 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. More information will be released after Kickoff but to prepare, teams can review the Shopping List and buy parts in advance. 

 

KitBot Resources

Click each section below to explore additional details about the resources provided. If you want to just download all of the files provided below (with an exception of the additional resources) use this Complete KitBot Package Zip (zip file will automatically download). 

Need help? Post your questions in the FIRST Forums. Staff will be monitoring this forum throughout the build and competition season and will attempt to provide timely answers to all questions.

Build Instructions & Assembly Videos

CAD Drawings

The official KitBot is modeled in SOLIDWORKS. Reference the SOLIDWORKS FIRST page for additional information about SOLIDWORKS tools and FIRST Robotics Competition.

  • CAD and Drawings Zip (updated January 31) (zip file will automatically download) - Folder containing SOLIDWORKS CAD, drawings (metric and imperial) and 3D print and router files for the KitBot.  
  • Onshape CAD Model - This link redirects you to the version of the KitBot modeled in and by Onshape.

Code & Software Guides

If you are unsure which software language to use, we suggest using Java. 

  • C++
    • C++ Code Guide (updated January 11) - A walkthrough of the electronics setup and the C++ KitBot code.
    • C++ Code Zip (zip file will automatically download) - This zip folder contains a copy of the C++ Code as well as the code guide that help explains how the code was set up. 
  • Java
    • Java Code Guide (updated January 22) - A walkthrough of the electronics setup and the Java KitBot code.
    • Java Code Zip (zip file will automatically download - updated January 26) - This zip folder contains a copy of the Java Code as well as the code guide that help explains how the code was set up. 
  • LabVIEW
    • LabVIEW Code Guide - A walkthrough of the electronics setup and the LabVIEW KitBot code.
    • LabVIEW Code Zip (zip file will automatically download) - This zip folder contains a copy of the LabVIEW Code as well as the code guide that help explains how the code was set up. 
  • Python 
    • Python Code Guide - A walkthrough of the electronics setup and the Python KitBot code.
    • Python Code Zip (zip file will automatically download) - This zip folder contains a copy of the Python Code as well as the code guide that help explains how the code was set up. 

Additional Resources

  • AM14U Chassis Build - The guide created by AndyMark that explains how to build the drivetrain chassis.  
    • AM14U Chassis Build Video - In this video from AndyMark, learn how to set up a chassis in the long configuration. Be sure to stop at step 10 if you plan to build the KitBot in order to most easily attach the KitBot Superstructure for the first time.
  • Electronics Board Instructions - Instructions for cutting and installing an electronics board for the KitBot chassis (AM14U5).
  • How to Wire a Robot - This video describes how to wire the basic FIRST Robotics Competition Control System using the REV Robotics Control System components provided in the rookie Kickoff Kit. Thanks to WPI for their assistance in editing this video!
  • Battery Mounting - Instructions for installing the AndyMark battery mount kit to the KitBot chassis (AM14U5).
  • Bumpers
    • Bumper Hardware Assembly Guide - Instructions for utilizing the AndyMark Bumper Mount Kit to attach Bumpers to the KitBot chassis (AM14U5).
    • FIRST Robotics Competition Bumper Guide - A guide outlining information on how to make bumpers in a variety of ways depending on your preferred design. 
    • How to Make Bumpers - Learn about various bumper options as well as how to build bumpers for a corner segment and straight segment from FIRST Alum, Liz Smith. Thanks to AndyMark for their assistance in creating this video!
    • How to Mount Bumpers - Learn about various mounting options as well as receive a tutorial on how to use the Bumper Mounts from the Drive Base Kits from FIRST Alum, Liz Smith. Thanks to AndyMark for their assistance in creating this video!
  • Guide to Selecting Drivers - This guide lays out some helpful considerations when selecting drivers for your robot.
  • Improving Driver Performance - This guide provides some ideas about how to practice, what to practice, and how to further analyze and improve your cycle times.
  • KitBot YouTube Playlist - includes all videos on this page relevant to the 2024 KitBot!
  • Virtual Robotics Studio KitBot Build - This link lead to an external web site that is not controlled by FIRST, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information. The Virtual Robotics Studio is hosted by FIRST in Michigan and has created a comprehensive set of step-by-step build videos and supplementary resources for construction of the KitBot.

 

Translated Materials

Thank you to all of our translators for helping us make some of these resources available in other languages!