To learn more about the organization follow the simple guidelines below, 

= Steps to Building Robots with RAS =

== Basics ==
 * Learn how to use [http://iarc1.ece.utexas.edu/wikicup/index.php/Basics basic tools] to write code and manage projects, 
 * Build a Lego Robot with Mindstorms (most EE302 students will do this, we have materials available to help)
 * Build a Vex Robot,  
    * [http://www.rec.ri.cmu.edu/education/ VEX Education], [http://www.usfirst.org/jrobtcs/flg_curric.htm FIRST Learning ]  and [http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/papers.php Read White Papers (convoluted)]

    * [http://www.vexlabs.com/ Vex Labs (equipment)] and [http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-robot-photos.shtml Robot Photos]
 
== Actually Joining RAS ==
 * To officially join the group, you must complete the following steps and have the RAS Officers Check off each level of Accomplishment
 * Previous Experience can also be counted (with proper demonstration) 
 * This process could take weeks or a whole semester, 
 * Membership is open to all majors and does not depend on how many years you have been at the university (i.e. 5th year, 1st year are welcome)
 * The official 2008 Newbotics Team will be finalized at the start of the Spring Semester
 
== Newbotics 2008 Check List == 

these tasks can be completed in any order , following numbered steps in order is suggested 
 * Come to a meeting, Join a subgroup 
 * Get account access to code and design tools
 * Build a small robot with VEX , LEGO or Custom Robot
   1. Program Robot to move forward and turn in different directions
   2. Use encoders to move a fixed distance
   3. Line Following 
   4. Obstacle Detection with Touch Buttons
   5. Obstacle Avoidance with Sonars 
 * Interface with Region V robot (learn 6812 code development steps) 
   1. Run last year's Region V Robot, [http://ras.ece.utexas.edu/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=2091 Photos and Video]
   2. Make an improvement from last year's best competition run ! (hardware or software) 
   3. Get signatures of the Four Core Officers
 * Intiation Completed  - You are now an offical RAS Member !!!

== Electronics Challenges ==
 * PcbChallenge is a way to learn how to design electronic circuits for robotics, 

== Software Challenges ==
 * You can also join the IGVC Software Team by completing any one of the four SoftwareChallenges.