Rules of the Challenge

Design and create a new robot component! In this challenge, you will use the same Autodesk 3D design software used by professionals to conceptualize and model a new part for a robot that improves its functionality or overcomes an existing problem. The new part must be designed to fit an existing robot and may consist of multiple pieces that form one part design. The robot may be a competition robot (VEX, FIRST, BEST, PLTW, SkillsUSA, TSA, etc.) or another robot that performs an interesting task. Note that a 3D printed part created for this online challenge may be used in the VEX U competition, but not in VRC.

To help you succeed, access to Autodesk software is available at no charge to students. You must use either Autodesk® Fusion 360™, Autodesk® Inventor®, or Tinkercad™ to model your custom robot part. Whether you’ve used the software before or are brand new to CAD, the Autodesk Design Academy provides lessons and video tutorials for all skill levels. The future is yours to design, and we can’t wait to see how you change the world!

Things to keep in mind for a successful submission:

• What functionality does your new component improve, and what issue does it solve?

• How is your new part used, and how does it fit into an existing robot design?

• Which version of Autodesk design software did you use, and which features did you utilize to create and model your part?

• What did you learn from this project, and how will what you learned help you in the future?

Technical Details

A submission must meet these minimum requirements in order to be judged.

1. Entry is created and produced solely by student team members. It is acceptable for adults to assist with downloading any necessary resources or submitting entry components where students may need permission.

2. CAD design must be created using Autodesk® Fusion 360™, Autodesk® Inventor®, or Tinkercad™.

3. Format: 

   • One PDF file (up to 20MB) that includes a final report and at least one image of the design is required

   • CAD dataset in .f3d (Fusion 360), .ipt or .jam (Inventor), or .stl (Tinkercad) format is required

   • Additions: videos, animations, simulations or other additions that explain your design decisions or illustrate how your part is utilized are optional, and may be included as separate files or links.

4. Size: 

   • Total submission: Up to 200MB

   • Summary report up to 1000 words.

     • Title page, credits, images,, image captions, and any appended citations are not included in word count.

     • Judges may use a software-based word counter such as http://www.montereylanguages.com/pdf-word-count-online-free-tool.html to verify word counts.

5. Title Page:  The summary report must include a title page that includes:

   • Title of submission

   • Names of students who participated (using first names only is acceptable)

   • Team number 

   • Location of team

6. Images: Each entry must include at least one (1) image of your design.

Upload Instructions

• Instructions to begin:

  • Click the green Enter Challenge button on the right side of the screen.

  • Fill out the submission form and type a brief description of your challenge entry in the Full Description box.

  • Click Save.

• Instructions to upload your Final Report, including images:

  • Click the blue Files/Images button in the upper right of the screen.

  • Drag/drop your PDF file into the Upload a File box.

  • Edit the Display Name and file information to include your entry name and team number.

  • Save your edits and click Update on the entry screen.

• Instructions to upload CAD datasets and .stl files:

  • Click the blue Files/Images button in the upper right of the screen.

  • Drag/Drop your files into the Upload a File box, using only the formats outlined in the Requirements for this challenge.

  • Edit the Display Name and file information to include your entry name and team number.

  • Save your edits and click Update on the entry screen.

• If you are including Optional videos or animations:

  • Click the blue Links/Videos button in the upper right of the screen.

  • Enter the URL, title, and description of your video.

  • Click Add Link.