Starting the Schematic: Overall Drivetrain Layout

Hey there! If you're reading this you're trying to create an electrical schematic of your robot! In order to facilitate your journey of creating your electrical schematics, this tutorial is split up into simple sections. The program we utilize as of 2026 is draw.io. 

1.0 - Creating the Drivetrain Schematic
1.1 - Outlining major points of interference (POI's)
1.2 - Identifying Different Types of Drivetrains and How to Deal With Them
1.3 - Adding the basic electrical components


1.0 - Creating the Drivetrain Schematic

To begin, you must have a picture of your drivetrain in CAD in order to get a good idea of the shape of your drivetrain. Utilize the shape tools in draw.io to copy the shape of the drivetrain as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

Figure 1

Figure 2

1.1 -  Outlining major points of interference (POI's)

In robotics, a Point of Interference (POI) is defined as any area where wiring cannot be routed or is at risk of damage, such as the space beneath an elevator shaft where moving parts could easily crush or sever the cables.  When it comes to making schematics POI's are extreme danger zones do not cross zones if you will. No wires or electrical components should be in a POI. As a general rule of thumb any area that may grind, chew, sever, or damage a wire in any way should be avoided.