UNEARTHED™ Innovation Project
Dig, Explore and Discover
This UNEARTHED™ season, FIRST LEGO League Challenge teams are asked to identify a problem faced by archaeologists and propose an innovative solution that can help.
The Problem
Traditional archaeological gridding methods are slow, inaccurate, and require multiple workers
Time Consuming
Setting up excavation grids manually takes 20+ minutes with traditional methods using string and stakes.
Labor Intensive
Requires at least 2 people to set up, taking valuable team members away from actual excavation work.
Accuracy Issues
Manual string measurements lead to inconsistent grid squares, affecting the precision of artifact documentation.
Meet GridLock
GridLock is a portable, precision gridding tool that uses laser technology and adjustable legs to create perfect excavation grids in minutes, not hours.
5-Minute Setup
1 person can set up a perfect grid in under 5 minutes
Laser Precision
4 integrated lasers project perfectly aligned grid lines
Fully Portable
Lightweight aluminum frame with telescoping legs for any terrain
Key Features
Engineered with precision and built for the field
4 Laser Emitters
Project precise grid lines onto any surface for accurate excavation zones
Bubble Levels
Integrated levels ensure the frame is perfectly horizontal on uneven terrain
Telescoping Legs
Adjustable height legs adapt to any ground conditions and excavation depth
Aluminum Frame
Lightweight yet durable construction with 3D-printed precision brackets
Design Journey
7 iterations of continuous improvement led to the final GridLock design
Cos(connect)
Initial innovation concept before GridLock
GridLock Idea
The GridLock concept was born
PVC Pipes
Lightweight PVC frame for portability testing
Aluminum Extrusion
Professional aluminum frame construction
Second Battery Pack
Added second battery pack for extended use
Improved Threading
Final refinements with improved threading
How It Works
Four simple steps to perfect excavation grids
Position
Place GridLock over your excavation site
Level
Adjust telescoping legs to desired height with the bubble levels
Activate
Turn on lasers to project grid lines
Lock
Lock the stakes in the precise location
See GridLock in Action
Scan the QR code or click the button below to watch our product demonstration and see how GridLock transforms archaeological excavation.
Watch Demo Video
Real Impact
Time Savings on Grid Setup
Person Instead of 2 Required
Materials Cost to Build
Expert Endorsements
“Convenient, light weight, easy setup.”
Dr. Barbara Mills
Professor of Anthropology
Arizona State University
“Gridlock is easy to use in difficult (uneven) terrain.”
Ramsay Macfie
Archaeological Field Supervisor
AECOM Ontario
“A simple and elegant solution to a perennial challenge.”
Robin Latour
Assistant Manager of GIS Data & Survey
ASI Heritage
“We work in many different environments, so this is key.”
Lauren Donker
Archaeological Field Supervisor
AECOM Ontario
Experts Reached Out
Online Interviews
FLL Kickoff Attended
Public Webinars
GridLock Goes Global!
We posted on Reddit at r/AskArchaeology to obtain feedback from Archaeologists from around the world.
Views
Upvote Ratio
Responses
Viewers from
Innovation Gallery
Financial Projections
GridLock is designed to be affordable, sustainable, and profitable — paying for itself in just over one day.
Customer Payback Analysis
Current Method (String & Plumb Bob)
- 2 people required per task
- 10 minutes per grid square
- 400 minutes total per day (20 tasks)
With GridLock
- Only 1 person needed
- 5 minutes per grid square
- 100 minutes total per day (20 tasks)
Daily savings: 5 hours — At $35/hr, GridLock pays for itself in about 1 day of use.
7-Year Financial Projection
Based on 8% market penetration of ~10,000 North American archaeologists, with 5% annual growth and inflation.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Profit | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $159,992 | $127,480 | $32,512 | 20.3% |
| Year 2 | $167,992 | $133,854 | $34,138 | 20.3% |
| Year 3 | $176,391 | $140,547 | $35,845 | 20.3% |
| Year 4 | $185,211 | $147,574 | $37,637 | 20.3% |
| Year 5 | $194,472 | $154,953 | $39,519 | 20.3% |
| Year 6 | $204,195 | $162,700 | $41,495 | 20.3% |
| Year 7 | $214,405 | $170,835 | $43,569 | 20.3% |
Bill of Materials — Cost Per Unit
$10.00
Aluminum Extrusion
$12.00
Selfie Sticks
$3.00
Bubble Levels
$6.00
Laser Modules
$1.00
Battery Box
$1.00
Nuts & Bolts
$5.00
Filament
$38.00
Total Per Unit
Our Robot
Precision engineering meets creative problem-solving
Our Max Points
Missions
Home Areas
Attachments
Mission Run Strategy
Our Attachments
The Snake
The Scorpion
Lionel Meshi
The Thwacker
The T-rex
Our Coding Approach
Gyro Sensor Navigation
We use gyro sensors instead of color sensors since there are only 3 black and white lines on the mat
Precision Movements
Every motor rotation is calculated for exact positioning
Iterative Testing
We test, measure, adjust, and repeat until perfect
Mission Optimization
Strategic run planning to maximize points per trip
Robot Gallery
What We Stand For
The FLL Core Values guide everything we do
Discovery
We explore new skills and ideas
Innovation
We use creativity and persistence to solve problems
Impact
We apply what we learn to improve our world
Inclusion
We respect each other and embrace our differences
Teamwork
We are stronger when we work together
Fun
We enjoy and celebrate what we do!
Meet the ConnecTech Family
8 innovative students from Bayview Glen School, grades 6-8
Luke LIDAR
Discovery
I think that discovery is the most important core value because it's at the root of FLL. It's really the true purpose of FLL and why it was created. Discovery talks about figuring out something new and learning and in my opinion that is really what FLL is all about. Learning is something we do every practice and it allows us to adapt to change to innovate. Without discovery we would keep doing the same thing over and over again without thinking about or changing. To discover is the most important of all of them — it's what allows us to do anything.
Grace Grid
Innovation
I think that innovation is the most important core value because innovation helps you, not just now but in the future. It helps you become a more creative by making you think more creatively, which will lead to you being a better version of yourself, not just during practice but also in your everyday life. Innovation also helps you become more persistent by allowing you to keep thinking of better ideas. That's why I think innovation is the most meaningful core value.
Salima Sand
Impact
I think my favorite core value is impact because it goes beyond just building robots or creating ideas. The goal of FLL is to make a lasting difference, not only in the challenge but in the real world. The skills we learn and the changes we create can help people and inspire others. That's why I think impact is the most meaningful core value.
Sarina Stone
Inclusion
Because inclusion gives everyone a chance to take part in things they might not usually do. For example, someone who isn't confident in coding might get to try it, or someone who doesn't think they're innovative can use their creativity and presentation skills. It also helps people who are usually quieter feel comfortable speaking up and sharing their ideas. Inclusion means making sure everyone feels valued and has a voice.
Naya Natural
Teamwork
I think that teamwork is the most important. I think this because you can achieve so much more when you are in a team. Teamwork helps everyone share their ideas, feel included and make tasks easier and more enjoyable. It also teaches people communication, trust and respect which are very important life skills.
Ivan Identify
Fun
Fun is the best core value because having fun is very important for a good mental health. You can achieve much more if you are having fun while working. And having fun is a core part of what makes first. Without fun, no one would do first because they don't have fun.
Andrew Artifact
Impact
I think that impact is the most important core value in FLL because at the root of FLL, the main purpose is to find a solution that will solve a problem in the world that is related to the theme. People on FLL teams can connect with each other and learn key skills for their future, like public speaking and presentation skills.
Eric Excavate
Innovation
I think that innovation is the most important core value because it's about creativity and finding new ways to solve problems, something all FLL teams need. Innovation helps us think outside the box, and coming up with new ideas that can make a difference.
Core Values Gallery
Our Team Cheer
“ConnecTech family,
I got all my teammates with me!
ConnecTech family,
We're building robots in unity!
We are Team ConnecTech, we dig and explore,
Discover new ideas, like never before!”
Listen to our team song!
FLL Kickoff
This season our school, Bayview Glen hosted the annual First Lego League Kickoff! Many members of our team got a chance to attend as well as lead sessions, which was a very exciting opportunity that allowed us to share our expertise with others and learn more in the process. Overall we as a team really enjoyed this opportunity to share, learn and collaborate with other FLL members.
Banquet
ConnecTech team gather during Bayview Glen Robotic gala
Get In Touch
Interested in GridLock or want to learn more about our team?
School
Bayview Glen School
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Team
ConnecTech #27757
FIRST LEGO League Challenge
Product: GridLock - Precision Gridding Tool
$199.99