GridLock: 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
Concept & Wood Frame
Initial sketches and wooden prototype to test basic structure
PVC Pipes
Lightweight PVC frame for portability testing
Aluminum Extrusion
Professional aluminum frame with battery pack integration
Final Refinements
Improved threading and 3D-printed brackets for precision
How It Works
Five simple steps to perfect excavation grids
Position
Place GridLock over your excavation site
Level
Use bubble levels to ensure frame is horizontal
Adjust
Extend telescoping legs to desired height
Activate
Turn on lasers to project grid lines
Excavate
Begin precise, organized excavation
See GridLock in Action
Scan the QR code to watch our product demonstration and see how GridLock transforms archaeological excavation.
Real Impact
Trusted by archaeology professionals and field-tested at real excavation sites
Time Savings on Grid Setup
Person Instead of 2 Required
Materials Cost to Build
Expert Endorsements
“An innovative approach to a common challenge in field archaeology.”
Dr. Barbara Mills
Professor of Anthropology
Arizona State University
“This tool could significantly streamline excavation documentation.”
Lisa Sonnenburg
Cultural Resource Management Advisor
Parks Canada
“A practical solution that addresses real needs in the field.”
Ramsay Macfie
Archaeological Field Supervisor
AECOM Ontario
Innovation Gallery
Our Robot
Precision engineering meets creative problem-solving
Max Points
Missions
Home Areas
Attachments
Mission Run Strategy
Our Attachments
The Snake
The Scorpion
Lionel Meshi
The Thwacker
The Fangs
The Smasher
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
Grace Grid
Innovation
Salima Sand
Impact
Sarina Stone
Inclusion
Naya Natural
Teamwork
Ivan Identify
Fun
Andrew Artifact
Impact
Eric Excavate
Innovation
Core Values Gallery
Our Team Cheer
“ConnecTech Family
I've got all my teammates with me
ConnecTech Family
Building robots in unity!”
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