The BEST Process

In the BEST process, each team designs and builds a radio-controlled machine to accomplish a defined task. The teams start by gathering for game kickoff day at local hub sites (now organized as BEST Robotics Inc.) where the receive the following:

Time frame

The game is limited to a six-week period to simulate a product time-to-market constraint. In the real world, a late product doesn't sell. In the game world, a late product means the team doesn't compete.

Resources

Each team receives an identical box of odd parts, fasteners, materials, and a radio controller for motors. In the real world, a new product must be built within a budget. In the game world, the machine can be built only with kit parts.

Specifications

At kickoff, each team gets a detailed game task description. This description is a closely held secret, known only to a few BEST game designers. In the real world, a new product must meet customer requirements and specifications. In the game world, the machine must meet size and weight also complete the same game task.

Industry and academic coaches act as mentors for the students, encouraging and guiding them as they design and build their robots. In the BEST process, students remain the primary decision-makers and builders. Schools provide at least one teacher-coach, administration support, classroom and shop access after school hours, and transportation to the competition sites. Schools select their own teams.

Six weeks after kickoff, teams compete in local hub contests. The top finishers advance to the Texas BEST Championship a few weeks later.