Yeah it is a bit confusing and to be quite honest, I was lost as well until I read about how it works on here. It is kinda confusing the way it's set up."bot lab voucher" - when do you get that option? I mean I just rescued princess in the Krell system, maybe it's farther down in the storyline?
I don't get why do I have "Craft Exotic shell" option in the morning, but no effect even though I have 4 rare crates to use. And there is no warning like ""you can't use this", or, "no crates", or similar".
Basically she comes to you and says she's working on something and that she could use some parts. You can then start giving her things to earn favor points. If you just rescued the princess you aren't far off, just keep progressing with her "training". While you're there, farm some bots so that you have shells to give her. The system you are in now is by far the best for that.