Difference between revisions of "FTC:Comparing FLL and FTC"
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[[FTC:About|''FIRST'' Tech Challenge]] (FTC) is the next step for many graduating [[FLL Challenge:About|''FIRST'' LEGO League Challenge]] (FLL) teams. Both programs test skills in engineering, design, programming, and teamwork, but the skills and tools needed to compete in FTC are different from the ones needed for FLL. | [[FTC:About|''FIRST'' Tech Challenge]] (FTC) is the next step for many graduating [[FLL Challenge:About|''FIRST'' LEGO League Challenge]] (FLL) teams. Both programs test skills in engineering, design, programming, and teamwork, but the skills and tools needed to compete in FTC are different from the ones needed for FLL. | ||
==General== | |||
While both programs are in the FIRST program there are many differences between the two. Some of the general differences include team makeup, game release, and the overall content. | While both programs are in the FIRST program there are many differences between the two. Some of the general differences include team makeup, game release, and the overall content. | ||
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==Matches== | |||
Both FLL and FTC have robot matches that are two and a half minutes. The robots are very different, but even the matchplay changes. For more information about the specific games look at the [[FTC:About|FTC]] and [[FLL Challenge:About|FLL About]] pages or the official game manuals. | Both FLL and FTC have robot matches that are two and a half minutes. The robots are very different, but even the matchplay changes. For more information about the specific games look at the [[FTC:About|FTC]] and [[FLL Challenge:About|FLL About]] pages or the official game manuals. | ||
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==Robot== | |||
The design and requirements for robots changes drastically from FLL to FTC. The divisions of FLL have different specifications for their robotics components, but FTC contrasts even more. | The design and requirements for robots changes drastically from FLL to FTC. The divisions of FLL have different specifications for their robotics components, but FTC contrasts even more. | ||
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==Programming== | |||
The robots that are used in each program differ a lot and so the programming is also very different. Generally, the programming for FLL is easier as it is tailored to the younger demographic, but many options are available for both FLL and [[FTC:Software|FTC]]. | The robots that are used in each program differ a lot and so the programming is also very different. Generally, the programming for FLL is easier as it is tailored to the younger demographic, but many options are available for both FLL and [[FTC:Software|FTC]]. | ||
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==Cost== | |||
The expenses for each program differ and the prices for FTC are usually much higher. While FLL costs are mostly focused on registration and field materials there are many more additional costs for FTC. This means that FTC also requires more [[FTC:Funding A Team|fundraising]] than FLL. | The expenses for each program differ and the prices for FTC are usually much higher. While FLL costs are mostly focused on registration and field materials there are many more additional costs for FTC. This means that FTC also requires more [[FTC:Funding A Team|fundraising]] than FLL. | ||
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==Tournaments== | |||
More information about the tournaments for each program can be found at the tournaments pages for [[FLL Challenge:Tournaments|FLL]] and [[FTC:Tournaments|FTC]]. | More information about the tournaments for each program can be found at the tournaments pages for [[FLL Challenge:Tournaments|FLL]] and [[FTC:Tournaments|FTC]]. | ||
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==Judging== | |||
The awards and judging are very different for both FLL and FTC. The [[FTC:Judging|judging for FTC]] is more focused on robot and outreach since there isn’t a project section to judge like in FLL. | The awards and judging are very different for both FLL and FTC. The [[FTC:Judging|judging for FTC]] is more focused on robot and outreach since there isn’t a project section to judge like in FLL. | ||
Latest revision as of 12:48, 18 June 2022
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is the next step for many graduating FIRST LEGO League Challenge (FLL) teams. Both programs test skills in engineering, design, programming, and teamwork, but the skills and tools needed to compete in FTC are different from the ones needed for FLL.
General
While both programs are in the FIRST program there are many differences between the two. Some of the general differences include team makeup, game release, and the overall content.
| FLL | FTC |
|---|---|
| Teams up to 10 students | Teams up to 15 students |
| 4th-8th grade | 7th-12th grade |
| Game release in August | Game release September |
| Competitions in November-December | Competitions in November-January |
| Innovation Project | No project but there is outreach |
| LEGO robots | Robots made out of a variety of materials |
| No required documentation | Required engineering portfolio |
Matches
Both FLL and FTC have robot matches that are two and a half minutes. The robots are very different, but even the matchplay changes. For more information about the specific games look at the FTC and FLL About pages or the official game manuals.
| FLL | FTC |
|---|---|
| 2 minutes and 30 seconds match period | 2 minutes and 30 seconds match period |
| Fully autonomous | 30 second autonomous period
2 minute driver controlled period (Teleop)
|
| Not competing against other teams | Work with another team to compete against 2 other teams (Alliance) |
Robot
The design and requirements for robots changes drastically from FLL to FTC. The divisions of FLL have different specifications for their robotics components, but FTC contrasts even more.
| FLL | FTC |
|---|---|
| Uses LEGO Mindstorm pieces as the foundation of the robot | Parts can be anything that has one degree of freedom |
| Robot’s size limit is the SW corner, and 12’’ vertically (depending on the year) | Robot size limit is 18’’ x 18’’ x 18’’ |
| Must use parts made by LEGO | Creative freedom with custom parts |
| Robot brain is a single LEGO Mindstorms brick | Robot brain is a combination of two Android devices |
Programming
The robots that are used in each program differ a lot and so the programming is also very different. Generally, the programming for FLL is easier as it is tailored to the younger demographic, but many options are available for both FLL and FTC.
| FLL | FTC |
|---|---|
| Uses LEGO Mindstorm block programming | Block programming (like Scratch)
Java (text-based)
|
| Programs uploaded to LEGO mindstorms brick | Programs can be uploaded or created directly on the robot |
Cost
The expenses for each program differ and the prices for FTC are usually much higher. While FLL costs are mostly focused on registration and field materials there are many more additional costs for FTC. This means that FTC also requires more fundraising than FLL.
| FLL | FTC |
|---|---|
~$600 for rookie year
|
~$2000 for rookie year
|
~$500 annual cost
|
~$1000 annual cost
|
| No additional parts needed | Can purchase additional parts |
| No marketing costs | Teams have giveaways at tournaments |
Tournaments
More information about the tournaments for each program can be found at the tournaments pages for FLL and FTC.
| FLL | FTC |
|---|---|
| Regionals → Sectionals → State | Qualifier → State |
| Only one type of tournament | Leagues
Qualifiers |
| One judging session | Judges’ interview
Pit judging |
| Three robot runs | Qualification matches
Elimination matches |
| Parents and coaches hang out with teams in the pit area | Parents and coaches are discouraged from hanging out with teams in the pit area |
Judging
The awards and judging are very different for both FLL and FTC. The judging for FTC is more focused on robot and outreach since there isn’t a project section to judge like in FLL.
| FLL | FTC |
|---|---|
| One 30 minute judging session for robot, project, and core values | One 15 minute judges’ interview for robot and outreach |
| Judging includes project and core values | No project or core values judging |
| No pit visits | Judges visit teams at their pits to ask more questions |
For more information on each of the programs visit their pages on Project Robotica at FTC or FLL About.
