What is FIRST® Tech Challenge?

FTC is designed for students in grades 7-12 to compete head to head, using a sports model. Teams are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and is programmed using a variety of languages.

Teams, including coaches, mentors, and volunteers, are required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Awards are given for the competition as for well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments.
 

Students get to: 

• Design, build, and program robots

• Apply real-world math and science concepts

• Develop problem-solving, organizational, and team-building skill

• Compete and cooperate in alliances and tournaments

• Earn a place in the World Championship

• Qualify for over $10.4 million in college scholarships

For more information contact:

.

Game Manuals 2017-2018

FTC Forum

Inspection Checklist

Game Manual - Part 1

Game Manual - Part 2 (coming in September)​

The FTC Forum
​Read only.  Ask a mentor for the required code to submit a question.

Downloadable Forum Q&A
pdf  

Important Documentation

Robot Bill of Materials Template

Control Award Instructions

Control Award Content Sheet

Alliance Flag and Holder

Thursday Nights

6-8 @ SHS 

Enter via door 11

Calendar

Engineering Notebook

Game Manual Part 1
10.2.2 What is an Engineering Notebook?

The FTC Engineering Notebook is a complete documentation of the Team’s Robot design. This documentation should include sketches, discussions and Team meetings, design evolution, processes, obstacles, and each Team member’s thoughts throughout the journey for the entire season. A new notebook should be created for each new season. 

Team Engineering Notebook Self Reflection

Engineering Notebook Examples Provided by FIRST - zipped files for download

Team 365   |   Team 4250   |   Team 5037   |   Team 6134

Engineering Notebook Guidelines

Programming Resources

Java is the recommended programming language for the FIRST Tech Challenge.   The FIRST Tech Challenge software requires that the minimal version used to run the program is 3.1. This includes the apps and software development tools.  Programming must be done using one of the following applications:

1. Blocks Programming Tool - A user friendly, graphical tool for programming a competition robot. The Blocks Programming tool is the fastest and easiest way to get started with programming. 
​Blocks Programming One-Page Description
Blocks Programming Training Manual (REV Robotics Expansion Hub)
Blocks Programming Training Manual (Modern Robotics Hardware)

2.  App Inventor Download and Resources - Teams can use a special version of the MIT App Inventor to program their competition robot. The App Inventor is also a graphical design tool, and the FIRST Tech Challenge version is designed to run locally on a team's laptop. 
​App Inventor Download and Resources

3.  Android Studio Download and Resources - Android Studio is an integrated development tool that lets teams create Java (text-based) programs for their competition robots. Android Studio offers great flexibility when writing a program for a competition robot.
​Android Studio Download and Resources  (FTC Android Studio project to create FTC Robot Controller app)

4.  Java Native Interface (JNI) & Android Native Development Kit (NDK) – Teams can incorporate native code libraries into their apps using the JNI framework and the Android NDK.

*This document was created by Ken Craig, not the CyberCards.

The new REV Robotics Expansion Hub

REV Robotics Expansion Hub FAQ
REV Robotics Expansion Hub: First Look
REV Robotics Expansion Hub Technical Guide
​Level Shifter Cases - cable management - stl files for 3D printing

Design Resources

Motors, Wiring, and Power

Motors

HiTechnic Motor Controller Brief

HiTechnic Servo Controller Brief

HiTechnic Servo Controller Power Limits

HS-485HB Servo, page A

HS-485HB Servo, page B

Motor Power Chart

Tetrix DC Motor Specs

Wiring and Power

FTC Robot Wiring Guide

AndyMark Product Spec Sheet for NeveRest 40 Motor

Download File

Cougar Robotics Notes on NeveRest 40 and HiTechnic Motor Controller

Download File

Presentation for above discussion

Building with TETRIX

TETRIX Builders Guide
 

TETRIX Getting Started Guide - Introduction

TGSG - Quick Start Guide

TGSG - General Best Practices

TGSG - Mindstorms Elements Inventory

TGSG - Safety

TGSG - Hand Tools Guide

Judging

FTC Team Judging Session Self Reflection

FTC Awards Descriptions

The Field

Control System Hardware Overview

FIRST Scholarship Opportunities

Check back frequently for new or modified FIRST Scholarship Opportunities.

• If you have questions about a specific scholarship, contact the school or organization directly.

• Refine your search by choosing specifics from the filters provided below.

• Click on the Scholarship Provider's name to view their website

• Print or download the current summary list (no detail) of all scholarships: FIRST Scholarships Listed by State