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:
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Design, build, and program robots
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Apply real-world math and science concepts
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Develop problem-solving, organizational, and team-building skill
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Compete and cooperate in alliances and tournaments
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Earn a place in the World Championship
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Qualify for over $10.4 million in college scholarships
For more information contact:
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Game Manuals 2017-2018
FTC Forum
Inspection Checklist
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
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.
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
Wiring and Power
AndyMark Product Spec Sheet for NeveRest 40 Motor
Cougar Robotics Notes on NeveRest 40 and HiTechnic Motor Controller
Building with TETRIX
Judging
The Field
Control System Hardware Overview
FIRST Scholarship Opportunities
Check back frequently for new or modified FIRST Scholarship Opportunities.
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If you have questions about a specific scholarship, contact the school or organization directly.
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Refine your search by choosing specifics from the filters provided below.
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Click on the Scholarship Provider's name to view their website
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Print or download the current summary list (no detail) of all scholarships: FIRST Scholarships Listed by State
