Engineering Foundations: Forces, Torque, and Machines

A start-here primer on the physics and mechanical fundamentals every FRC builder needs before designing mechanisms. You will learn how engineers measure and specify parts, how forces and Newton's laws govern motion, how torque and levers multiply force, and how simple machines and gear ratios trade speed for strength. Each lesson connects the core physics to concrete FRC build decisions so the department's later, hands-on lessons make sense.

Engineering Foundations: Forces, Torque, and Machines is the prerequisite module of the Mechanical, Build & Pneumatics guide — the ground the 11 numbered modules after it assume you already have, and Drivetrains: Moving the Robot follows it. It holds 4 of the guide's lessons.