Comp Science Unit one

Structure Subsystem

The base skeleton of the robot that supports and holds all other components, including metal pieces and hardware.

Standard VEX Hole Spacing

A standardized 0.5-inch grid of square openings on structural components that allows parts to connect in various configurations.

Star Drive Screws

Fasteners featuring a six-point Torx drive for a snug fit, available in non-locking varieties and locking styles coated with blue adhesive.

Nylock Nuts

Fasteners equipped with a plastic insert that prevents loosening from vibration and movement, requiring an open-ended wrench to tighten.

KEPS Nuts

Fasteners featuring an external ring of teeth that grips the structural piece, which must face toward the metal surface during installation.

Regular Nuts

Hardware fasteners lacking locking features that require a wrench to install and tend to loosen over time from vibration.

4-Post Hex Nut Retainer

A hardware piece that establishes five points of contact to secure two structural components together using one screw and one nut.

1-Post Hex Nut Retainer

A hardware piece that establishes two points of contact between two structural components using one screw and one nut.

Motion Subsystem

The collection of mechanical components responsible for robot movement, including shafts, bearings, collars, and motors.

Square Shaft

A drive axle with rounded edges that fits tightly into component hubs to transfer torque while spinning smoothly within round bearing holes.

Delrin Bearing

A low-friction hard plastic component, such as a bearing flat, that supports a rotating shaft passing through a structural piece.

Rubber Shaft Collar

A friction-fit slide-on component that prevents wheels and gears from sliding off steel axles.

Logic and Control Subsystem

The assembly of electronic components that processes sensor signals and executes actions based on programming.

Robot Brain

The central processing unit that handles inputs, coordinates outputs, and stores program code and sensor data.

Robot Radio

The module that enables all wireless communication between the central processor and external devices.

Controller

A handheld device that provides real-time feedback and communicates wirelessly with the robot via VEXnet or Bluetooth.

Smart Cables

Cords that establish data communication between motors, sensors, and the central processor.