Safe Robot Lifting, Handling, and Transport

Why this gets its own section

An FRC robot can weigh well over 100 pounds (plus battery and bumpers) and must be carried through crowded pits to the field many times a day. Finger injuries and back strains are among the most common injuries at events, so the Safety Manual dedicates a full section to lifting, handling, and transport. Practice the procedure before the season so everyone uses the same method.

Make the robot safe to move first

• It is best practice to disable or power off the robot during transport, including moving to and from the pit, in queue, and on and off the field. A robot that is powered on but not enabled requires minimal extra precautions.
• Robots may be powered on in queue; if a robot is enabled (to deploy code, charge pneumatics, or test), maintain safe space for any mechanism that could move to its full extent.
• Before lifting: ensure all parts are secured (the arm won't fall and hit someone), confirm no one is still working on the robot, and have enough people — two are preferred.

Lift with good body mechanics

The manual's lifting checklist:

• Appoint someone to coordinate the lift so everyone starts together.
• Each lifter places feet close to the robot in a balanced stance.
• Lift with your legs, keep your back straight, maintain normal spinal curves, bend your knees, and tighten your stomach muscles.
• Do not twist your body — turn with your feet, not your spine.
• Use secure hand holds, keep the robot close to your body, and coordinate lift speed with the others.
• Wear appropriate PPE for the lift, and hold a brief discussion beforehand to agree on direction and path; clear the path of debris and hazards.

Carts

FRC strongly recommends using a cart to move the robot:

• Carts must be safe, easy to control, and pose no risk to bystanders — a Safety Manager can require an unsafe cart be made safe before use.
• Carts must fit through a standard 30-inch door, not damage flooring, carry no sound-generating devices, and display your team number.
• Keep the cart under control (especially when placing or removing the robot), lead it with a team member who watches the path, and don't run. Chock or lock the wheels so the cart can't roll away when you remove the robot. Carts must stay in the team pit when not in use.

Entering the field and post-match

• For FRC, use the gate opening to enter and exit the playing field — climbing over the railing is prohibited.
• Post-match: relieve all stored energy and open the main breaker on the robot, make sure it's safe to lift (no dangling parts), remove any debris from the field, and use the same pre-lift and during-lift procedures to carry it back.