Our Project
Gary X
GaryX, a robot inspired by Gary the Snail from SpongeBob, is our project for the FTC event, which we participated in for the first time in 2025.
The robot features a mechanical arm with a precision claw, designed for strategic block manipulation and placement. To understand the basic mechanics, we organized our work based on difficulty, starting with the essentials and gradually progressing to more advanced tasks.
This approach allowed us to gain valuable experience in both programming and robot design, knowledge that will surely benefit our team in the coming years or those who come after us!
Day 1-2
Programmers
Strategy: Analysis of the competition field and selection of the best methods for both autonomous and manual control.
Motor Testing: Practical checks and controller configuration.
Development Guide: Step-by-step documentation for programming.
Debugging: Controller setup, robot testing, and practice with the simulator.
Builders
Structure: Reduced the robot’s size to meet the 45 cm regulation by modifying or cutting certain parts.
Motors: Fixed an issue with the 1:5 gear ratio and tested the wheels and arm.
Registration: Completed team enrollment for the FIRST Tech Challenge.
Improvements: Designed a new claw, refined the arm’s bars, and created a SpongeBob-themed decorative cover.
Day 3-4
Programmers
Motors: Improved the arm motor sensitivity and reprogrammed the controller buttons.
Claw: Tested the claw (not functional) and brainstormed possible solutions using a rack and pinion or a worm gear.
Testing: Continued testing the improved components. Part of the team assisted the builders, focusing on claw development.
Builders
Optimization: Built a single-arm structure and a LEGO claw to reduce weight.
Backhoe: Created a plastic scoop reinforced with plexiglass.
Testing: Conducted tests with good results on wheels, arm, and claw.
Additions: Improved the extendable arm and added two motors with four gears.
Day 5-6
Programmers
Addition: Programmed the second servo for the arm but encountered mechanical and sensitivity issues.
Autonomous: Developed the code for the first 30 seconds of the match (still to be tested).
Description: Commented the code and completed the programming guide on Android Studio.
Builders
Printing: 3D-printed new parts and tested the robot's movements.
Optimization: Improved the structure with screws and supports.
Construction: Built the arena and modified the shovel with a new material.
Graphics: Purchased components to decorate the robot.
Day 7-8
Programmers
Programming: Continued the automatic movement code.
Optimizations: Improved sensitivity in manual controls.
Rules: Ensured the robot's dimensions are within regulations.
Builders
Measurements: Created a 45x45 cm box to measure the robot.
Graphics: Painted and decorated the graphic panels.
Construction: Continued building the arm.
Website: Optimized the team's website.
Presentation: Took photos of the group members.
Day 9-10
Programmers
Programming: Completed the robot's autonomous programming.
Website: Work on the website and presentation.
Video: Created the presentation video for fundraising.
Printing: Graphics and design.
Builders
Claw: Finished building the claw.
Frame: Created the wooden chassis.
Photo: Took a photo with the whole team.
Backhoe: Improved the dredge.
Training: Robot operation training.