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The focus of all the teams in this phase is the design and construction of the robot system. If some of
the team do not put some time and effort in planning for competion phase and still working the other systems, the entire team
may fail. Therefore, it is important that the other systems are being worked even if the primary focus is on the
robot system. The robot system section has a link to a design process.
Safety System
During the construction
phase, the Safety Captain should be implementing and making sure people are following the plan while in and
outside the shops. Remember the use of safety glasses is mandatory during competition while in the pits,
get people use to wearing them now. Also, during the construction phase, the safety manager should be looking at the
pit design and update the safety plan for the competion phase. Also talk to the students, parents, and teachers
about safety at home, driving, and at work. Remember that FIRST Safety is NOT just in the shops.
 TEAM SYSTEM
Construction phase is pretty hectic and very busy, but not time to neglect the rest of this system. The
students that are not involved in the construction could be working on the competition strategys and award applications.
Keep the parents, alumni, teachers, and sponsors informed of what is occuring this year. Take time from the construction
to continue the other social team building activities, get out and play some sports, have dinner together (maybe use
it as a fund raiser).
Archive System
This system is also very active during the construction season. The people involved with archiving of records
should look at the design process, take notes, and document the construction of the robot. What went right, what went
wrong... Keep good records. Take pictures and video of any prototype subsystems being developed. The documentation
will be important during the competition.
Robot System
The construction phase is all about the design and building of the robot system once the game and rules are introduced.
Please see the robot construction discussion for this system.
A System Engineering Design Process for Robotics
OUTREACH SYSTEM
Construction is a perfect time to reach out to your community and bring in business and political
leaders to watch the team design and build the robot. How about plan a tour with the middle schools.
How best to recruit new members by showing the fun being have. Get your sponsors involved, show them what the
game is about and talk about your design and how it is going. Important to keep your sponsors and advocates informed
and involved.
Financial System
Is money going out faster than it is going in? Using the outreach system to keep the sponsors informed
and try to obtain more money. Also, it is a good time to make sure that the team regional and Atlanta Finals plans
are taking shape and the budgets that will be required. Parents need to understand and be able to budget money
for an expensive trip.
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