Custom Options

Some teams have opted to build custom solutions for linear motion. Many of these teams borrow concepts from FRC teams, modeling their elevators off of the tall systems found on the larger robots. There’s a reason that many competitive FRC teams build the same type of elevator - at their scale, the box tube elevator has proven to be the most efficient way to get game pieces off the ground at blisteringly fast speeds.

When built correctly, an elevator of this type can withstand hundreds of pounds of load on any axis while barely weighing anything. However, existing off-the-shelf options already fill the linear motion needs of most FTC teams.

Custom extension systems also require tons of work in CAD, hours upon hours of manufacturing time, and may need multiple iterations before they work correctly. Due to their complexity and how challenging they are to design, less experienced teams may encounter significant challenges.

Additionally some teams will opt to use custom carbon fiber rod based slides. These slides are primarily designed to withstand loads perpendicular to the direction of the slide, so they are a light strong option for slides that need to extend far and quickly.

Note

Lightweight drawer slides (MiSUMI aluminum and Long Robotics Slides) can offer similar performance at a fraction of the complexity.

5975 Cybots, Relic Recovery, custom carbon fiber and linear bearing slide

7236 Recharged Green, Rover Ruckus, custom box tube linear elevator

13075 Coram Deo Academy Robotics, Rover Ruckus, custom 8020 chain driven hang

7172 Technical Difficulties, Rover Ruckus, fishing pole extension using gear rack