Robotics Competition Packing Checklist 2024

This comprehensive checklist covers everything you need to pack for a successful robotics competition, including:

• Robot and Parts: Assembled robot, spare parts (wheels, gears, chains, belts), extra fasteners, spare electronics, pneumatic components (if used)

• Tools: Basic toolkit, power tools, soldering iron, miscellaneous (tape, zip ties), lubricants, cleaning supplies

• Safety Gear: Safety glasses for all team members, gloves, first aid kit

• Power and Programming: Fully charged robot batteries, chargers, power supplies, laptops and chargers, extension cords, power strips

• Documentation: Team forms, game rules, field specs, engineering notebook, scouting materials

• Team Apparel and Supplies: Team shirts/uniforms, pit area decorations, giveaways, snacks, water bottles

Proper planning with this detailed checklist ensures you have all the essentials, allowing you to focus on the competition itself without worrying about missing crucial items.

Robot & Parts	Tools	Safety Gear	Power & Programming	Documentation	Team Supplies
Assembled robot	Basic toolkit	Safety glasses	Batteries & chargers	Team forms	Team shirts
Spare parts	Power tools	Gloves	Laptops & chargers	Game rules	Pit decorations
Fasteners	Soldering iron	First aid kit	Extension cords	Engineering notebook	Giveaways
Spare electronics	Tape, zip ties		Power strips	Scouting forms	Snacks, water
Pneumatic components	Lubricants
	Cleaning supplies

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Must-Have Items

Robot and Parts

1. The Robot

Pack the fully assembled robot, ready for competition. Double-check that all parts are securely attached and working correctly before packing.

2. Attachments and Controllers

Include any attachments or end-effectors your robot uses, like grippers, scoops, or shooters. Also, pack the main controller and any additional remotes needed to operate the robot.

3. Spare Parts

Bring spare parts for components prone to wear or damage during competition, such as wheels, gears, chains, or belts. Having these on hand can save time if repairs are needed.

Spare Parts and Tools

Part/Tool	Quantity
Spare batteries	2-3 sets
Battery chargers	1-2
Allen wrench set	1 set
Screwdrivers (various sizes)	2-3
Needle-nose pliers	2
Slip-joint pliers	2
Wire strippers/cutters	2
Electrical tape	2 rolls
Zip ties	50-100
Duct tape	1 roll
Utility knife	1
Multimeter	1
Soldering iron and solder	1 set
Spare motors	2-3
Spare motor controllers	2-3
Spare sensors/encoders	2-3 of each
Spare wires and connectors	Assorted

Remember to pack any specialized tools required for your robot's specific components or mechanisms.

Safety Gear

• Safety glasses: Pack enough pairs for all team members and mentors.
• Gloves: Bring work gloves for handling the robot and tools.
• Closed-toe shoes: Ensure all team members have appropriate footwear.
• First-aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic, and other basic medical supplies.

Batteries and Chargers

• Robot batteries: Pack enough fully charged batteries for your robot's needs, plus spares.
• Battery chargers: Bring chargers compatible with your robot's batteries.
• Power supply: Include a power supply or adapter for charging batteries and powering devices.
• Extension cords and power strips: Pack a few to ensure access to power outlets.

Power Sources

• Portable power banks: Bring multiple power banks to charge laptops, tablets, and phones.
• Extra batteries: Pack spare batteries for remotes, controllers, and other devices.
• Generator (optional): Consider a small, quiet generator for backup power if needed.

Programming Devices

• Laptops or tablets: Bring devices loaded with the necessary programming software and drivers.
• Backup storage: External hard drives or USB drives for code backups and file transfers.
• Cables and adapters: Pack all required cables, such as USB, HDMI, and power cords.
• Wireless access point (optional): A portable wireless router can be handy for programming and testing.

Documents and Supplies

Engineering Notebook

Keep a detailed notebook to record your team's design process, challenges faced, solutions found, and lessons learned. It shows your problem-solving skills to the judges. Make sure your notebook is well-organized with notes, sketches, calculations, and code snippets. Print a copy if using a digital notebook for easy reference during the competition.

Team Forms

Before the competition, ensure all team members have completed and signed the required forms. Print a copy of your team roster from the official dashboard. Having these documents ready will make check-in smoother and prevent any delays or issues with participation.

Rules and Field Specs

Review the competition's game rules and field specifications thoroughly. Have a printed or digital copy on hand for quick reference. Understanding the rules and field dimensions will help you strategize, make informed decisions, and avoid penalties or disqualifications.

Writing Materials

Pack pens, pencils, markers, notebooks, and a clipboard or writing surface. These tools will allow you to take notes, sketch ideas, and record observations during the competition.

Document Checklist

Document	Quantity
Engineering notebook (printed or digital copy)	1
Signed team forms	1 set per team member
Team roster printout	1
Competition rules and field specs (printed or digital)	1
Pens and pencils	Several
Notebooks or notepads	2-3
Markers	2-3
Clipboard or writing surface	1-2

Team Gear

Team Uniforms

Matching team shirts or uniforms help:

• Boost team spirit and unity
• Make your team stand out in the crowd
• Create a sense of belonging

Choose bright colors or a unique design that represents your team's identity. Wearing matching shirts fosters camaraderie among members.

Pit Area Decor

Decorate your team's pit area to create an inviting atmosphere:

• Hang banners, posters, or signs with your team name, logo, and colors
• Display trophies or awards your team has won
• Make your pit area feel welcoming and show team pride

Giveaways

Promotional items or giveaways help:

• Spread awareness about your team
• Build connections with others

Consider creating:

Item	Description
Stickers	With your team logo or design
Buttons	With your team logo or design
Wristbands	With your team logo or design
Small trinkets	With your team logo or design

Hand these out to other teams, judges, or spectators as a friendly gesture.

Comfortable Clothing

While team uniforms show spirit, comfort is also important:

• Wear breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes
• Layer your clothing for varying temperatures
• Being comfortable helps you stay focused and energized

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Personal Items

Food and Drinks

Competitions can be long, so pack:

• Reusable water bottles to refill
• Healthy snacks like granola bars, trail mix, fruits, and veggies
• Sports drinks or electrolyte beverages

Hygiene Supplies

Having basic hygiene items on hand is handy. Pack:

Item	Purpose
Travel toiletries	Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
Medications	Pain relievers, antacids, allergy meds
Hand sanitizer	For cleanliness
Tissues	For personal use

Device Chargers

Keep devices powered by bringing:

• Chargers for phones, tablets, laptops
• Portable power banks
• Extension cords or power strips (check venue rules)

First-Aid Kit

A basic first-aid kit can help with minor injuries:

Item	Purpose
Adhesive bandages	For cuts and scrapes
Antiseptic wipes	To clean wounds
Gauze pads and tape	For dressing wounds
Scissors and tweezers	For removing splinters or debris
Cold packs	For sprains or swelling

Packing these personal items will help you stay comfortable and prepared.

Packing and Transport

Proper packing and transport of your robotics gear is key for a smooth competition. Here are some tips:

Containers and Cases

Use sturdy containers or cases designed for safely moving robots and parts:

• Hard plastic cases with foam inserts to hold your robot securely
• Heavy-duty, waterproof cases like Pelican cases
• Clear plastic bins or boxes for easy security checks

Protective Materials

Prevent damage during travel with:

• Bubble wrap to cushion delicate parts
• Foam inserts or air pillows to fill gaps and minimize shifting
• Stretch wrap or packing tape to secure components

Luggage

For personal items and team gear, choose durable, easy-to-move luggage like:

• Rolling suitcases
• Backpacks
• Spacious bags that follow airline or transport rules

Packing and Transport Options

Consider these options based on your needs and budget:

Option	Description	Pros	Cons
Carry-On	Bring robot and parts as carry-on	Keep items with you, avoid checked bag damage	Limited space, security screening
Checked Luggage	Check robot and parts as luggage	More space	Risk of damage, delays
Shipping	Ship robot and parts separately	Avoid carrying heavy items, more protection	Potential delays, costs
Ground Transport	Transport by car or bus	More control, no airline limits	Limited to local/regional events

Label all containers and luggage with your team's contact info, inside and out. This helps return misplaced items.

Final Checklist

Before leaving for the robotics competition, go through this checklist to ensure you have everything:

1. Robot and Parts

• [ ] Assembled robot, inspected and ready
• [ ] Spare parts (wheels, gears, chains, belts)
• [ ] Extra fasteners (nuts, bolts, screws, rivets)
• [ ] Spare electronics (motor controllers, sensors, wiring)
• [ ] Pneumatic components (if used)

2. Tools

Tool	Purpose
Basic tool kit	Wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, Allen keys
Power tools	Drill, Dremel, saw, and accessories
Soldering iron	For electrical work
Miscellaneous	Electrical tape, zip ties, duct tape
Lubricants	For maintaining the robot
Cleaning supplies	For keeping the robot in good condition

3. Safety Gear

• [ ] Safety glasses for all team members
• [ ] Gloves for working on the robot
• [ ] First aid kit

4. Power and Programming

• [ ] Fully charged robot batteries
• [ ] Battery chargers and power supplies
• [ ] Driver station laptop and charger
• [ ] Programming laptop and charger
• [ ] Extension cords and power strips

5. Documentation

• [ ] Printed team roster and consent forms
• [ ] Game rules and field specifications
• [ ] Engineering notebook and design documents
• [ ] Scouting forms and materials

6. Team Apparel and Supplies

• [ ] Team shirts or uniforms
• [ ] Banners, signs, and pit area decorations
• [ ] Giveaways (stickers, buttons, flyers)
• [ ] Comfortable clothing layers
• [ ] Snacks, water bottles, and personal items

Double-check this list multiple times before leaving. Pack extra essentials like batteries, tools, and fasteners. Proper planning will help ensure a successful competition.

Wrapping Up

Getting ready for a robotics contest needs careful planning and order. The detailed packing list in this article is a useful guide to make sure you have all the key items for a successful competition.

Missing even one crucial part can badly impact your team's performance and ability to compete well. By carefully following the list and double-checking each item, you can lower the risk of forgetting critical things and avoid last-minute rushes or letdowns.

Keep in mind, each team's needs may differ slightly based on their robot design, strategies, and contest rules. Use this list as a starting point and modify it to fit your team's unique situation. Use your experiences from past contests to refine and improve the list, keeping it relevant and up-to-date.

Proper preparation not only boosts your chances of success but also makes for a more enjoyable and stress-free competition for your whole team. Use the checklist as a valuable tool, and encourage team members to share insights and suggestions for continuous improvement.

Key Packing Areas

Area	Description
Robot & Parts	Assembled robot, spare parts, fasteners, electronics
Tools	Wrenches, pliers, soldering iron, tape, lubricants
Safety Gear	Safety glasses, gloves, first aid kit
Power & Programming	Batteries, chargers, laptops, cables
Documentation	Team forms, rules, engineering notebook
Team Apparel & Supplies	Uniforms, banners, giveaways, snacks

Final Checklist

1. Robot and Parts

• [ ] Assembled robot, inspected and ready
• [ ] Spare parts (wheels, gears, chains, belts)
• [ ] Extra fasteners (nuts, bolts, screws, rivets)
• [ ] Spare electronics (motor controllers, sensors, wiring)
• [ ] Pneumatic components (if used)

2. Tools

• [ ] Basic tool kit (wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, Allen keys)
• [ ] Power tools (drill, Dremel, saw, accessories)
• [ ] Soldering iron
• [ ] Miscellaneous (electrical tape, zip ties, duct tape)
• [ ] Lubricants
• [ ] Cleaning supplies

3. Safety Gear

• [ ] Safety glasses for all team members
• [ ] Gloves for working on the robot
• [ ] First aid kit

4. Power and Programming

• [ ] Fully charged robot batteries
• [ ] Battery chargers and power supplies
• [ ] Driver station laptop and charger
• [ ] Programming laptop and charger
• [ ] Extension cords and power strips

5. Documentation

• [ ] Printed team roster and consent forms
• [ ] Game rules and field specifications
• [ ] Engineering notebook and design documents
• [ ] Scouting forms and materials

6. Team Apparel and Supplies

• [ ] Team shirts or uniforms
• [ ] Banners, signs, and pit area decorations
• [ ] Giveaways (stickers, buttons, flyers)
• [ ] Comfortable clothing layers
• [ ] Snacks, water bottles, and personal items

Double-check this list multiple times before leaving. Pack extra essentials like batteries, tools, and fasteners. Proper planning will help ensure a successful competition.

FAQs

What to Pack for Vex Worlds?

The Essentials

• Robot(s) for the event(s) you're competing in
• Team license plates
• Safety glasses (except for VIQRC)
• Spare batteries, controllers, cables, motors, and robot brain
• Battery charger
• Power strip

Additional Recommended Items

1. Spare Parts

• Extra wheels, gears, chains, and belts
• Additional fasteners (nuts, bolts, screws)
• Spare electronics (motor controllers, sensors)
• Pneumatic components (if used)

2. Tools

Tool	Purpose
Basic toolkit	Wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers
Power tools	Drill, Dremel, saw, and accessories
Soldering iron	For electrical work
Miscellaneous	Electrical tape, zip ties, duct tape
Lubricants	For maintaining the robot
Cleaning supplies	For keeping the robot in good condition

3. Programming and Power

• Backup laptops and chargers
• Spare batteries and chargers
• Extension cords and power strips

4. Documentation

• Engineering notebook and design documents
• Game rules and field specifications
• Scouting forms and materials

5. Team Supplies

• Team shirts or uniforms
• Pit area decorations (banners, signs)
• Giveaways (stickers, buttons)
• Snacks and water bottles

Being well-prepared with spare parts, tools, and backup equipment can help your team handle any issues that may arise during the intense competition at Worlds.