CAD Engineering Design Fundamentals for FIRST Tech Challenge

Designing a competitive robot requires more than just putting physical parts together; it starts with precise virtual planning. This course introduces you to the core principles of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) specifically tailored for robotics enthusiasts and competition teams. You will transition from understanding basic 2D sketching to organizing complex 3D assemblies, giving you the skills to design custom robot parts and mechanisms that fit perfectly before fabrication. What you'll learn: - Understand fundamental CAD terminology, user interfaces, and parametric design principles. - Create precise 2D sketches using constraints, dimensions, and geometric relationships. - Build robust 3D parts using extrusion, revolution, and standard modeling features. - Assemble multiple components with proper joints and motion limits for robotics. - Apply modern design workflows, including collaborative modeling and preparing files for 3D printing. The course begins with foundational definitions and engineering concepts before guiding you through structured design workflows. You will read clear explanations, analyze step-by-step modeling logic, and complete practical written exercises to build your conceptual understanding of a robot chassis. This course is designed for absolute beginners, aspiring engineers, and FIRST Tech Challenge participants looking to design their first custom robot parts. No prior CAD experience is required. Start your engineering journey today and bring your robot concepts to life through professional CAD design.