For a student project creating a working robot, which phase would CAD software be most useful in?

The use of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software is most impactful during the designing phase of a project, especially in the context of creating a working robot. CAD software allows students to create detailed 2D and 3D models of their robot, helping them visualize the components and overall structure.

During this phase, students can experiment with different designs, test the mechanics, and optimize the layout before proceeding to the actual building stage. This not only helps in identifying potential issues in design but also aids in planning how various parts will fit together and function. CAD software is essential for detailed specifications, which can be directly referenced during the construction of the robot, allowing for greater accuracy and efficiency.

In contrast, while testing, building, or programming are also crucial phases in the robotic project process, they do not primarily focus on the design elements that CAD software addresses. The testing phase involves evaluating the robot's performance, the building phase focuses on the physical assembly of components, and programming deals with writing code for functionality, none of which leverage the capabilities of CAD in the same design-oriented manner.