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'''''For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology''' (FIRST)'' is an organization founded by [[FIRST:Dean Kamen|Dean Kamen]] in 1989<ref name="FIRST History">{{cite web|url=https://www.firstinspires.org/about/history|title=''FIRST'' History|publisher=firstinspires.org|access-date=1 July 2021}}</ref> when he recognized that school-aged students weren’t aware of famous historical scientists and some basic technologies. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Manchester, New Hampshire.
''FIRST'' Tech Challenge (FTC) is a robotics competition created by [[FIRST:About|''FIRST'']]. The goal of the program is to teach kids engineering and teamwork skills. Every year ''FIRST'' releases a new challenge theme. Teams create robots every year to compete in new challenges.  


''FIRST'' runs three main programs:
== The Season ==
The season typically starts in early September, and tournaments occur in November/December.  Teams that earn the highest awards advance to the World Championship, which is usually in April.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Event
!Date
|-
|Kickoff Event
|Early-September
|-
|Competitions
|November/December <br/>
(scheduled by local [[FIRST Partners:List|''FIRST'' Partners]])
|}


* ''FIRST'' LEGO<sup>&reg;</sup> League
==The Game ==
* ''FIRST'' Tech Challenge
Every year, the game is played on a 12’ x 12’ playing field made up of foam tiles. There are two alliances composed of two teams playing on a field at once. Each team creates a robot that cannot exceed 18” x 18” x 18” before a match starts. After the match begins, robots are allowed to grow to any size.
* ''FIRST'' Robotics Competition


All text in boxes below are from [https://firstinspires.org firstinspires.org].
[[File:FTC-Field.jpg]]


==Mission==
== Rules ==
''The mission of FIRST is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.''<ref name="FIRST Vision and Mission">{{cite web|url= https://www.firstinspires.org/about/vision-and-mission|title=''FIRST'' Vision and Mission|publisher=firstinspires.org|access-date=1 July 2021}}</ref>
The rules for each FTC season are defined by the Game Manual, which comes in two parts.  Game Manual Part 1 contains information about what parts are allowed and lays out how the season works. Game Manual Part 2 contains information that pertains specifically to the challenge that year. It explains the tasks that are on the field for that year and any specific rules that involve those challenges.  
{| class="wikitable"  
|-
!Release
!Date
|-
|[https://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resource_library/ftc/game-manual-part-1-traditional-events.pdf Game Manual Part 1]
|Mid-July
|-
|[https://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resource_library/ftc/game-manual-part-2-traditional-events.pdf Game Manual Part 2]
|Early-September
|}


==Vision==
== Tournaments ==
''"To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders."  -Dean Kamen, Founder''<ref name="FIRST Vision and Mission"/>
Teams create their robot to compete in [[FTC:Tournaments|tournaments]]. There are two types of tournament formats: [[FTC:Leagues|leagues]] and qualifiers. In leagues, teams compete in events called meets every other week until they compete in a Qualifier. In Qualifiers, teams compete with their robot and also have a Judging session. In Judging, teams explain to the judges their robot design process and what they did during the season.


==''FIRST'' LEGO<sup>&reg;</sup> League==
====Leagues====
''FIRST'' LEGO&reg; League (FLL) is further divided into three additional programs:
*Many competitions
*Only one chance to qualify
*Competitions start in October and happen every other week
====Qualifiers====
*Two competitions
*Two chances to qualify
*Tournaments take place from November until January


* FLL Discovery
== Hardware ==
* FLL Explore
[[FTC:Hardware|Hardware]] is the component of the robot. Teams can use motors, servos, and structural components to build their robot. Teams can also use any part from a hardware store as long as it only has one degree of freedom, which means that it can only move in one direction (ie. a drawer slide). One of the most reliable ways to have a successful robot is to strategize and brainstorm the best way to complete the challenges of that season. The hardware team will have to create several different subsystems to complete the different challenges of the year.
* FLL Challenge


[[Image:FLL_Programs.png|800px]]
== Software ==
[[FTC:Software|Software]] is the programming side of the robot. Teams can program using the Block Programming Tool, Java, or OnBot Java.<ref name="FTC Programming Resources">{{cite web|url=https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/ftc/technology-information-and-resources|title=FTC Programming Resources|publisher=firstinspires.org|access-date=22 July 2021}}</ref>


Deciding which program a child should go into can be challenging. See [[FLL:Comparing Programs|Comparing FLL programs]] for additional information.
* Block Programming Tool - allows users to edit code using a block-based editor similar to [https://scratch.mit.edu/ Scratch] and is considered the easiest program to learn
* Java - text-based programming language and is used by software developers in the industry to develop applications
* OnBot Java - a method of programming using Java directly on the robot controller


===FLL Discover===
== Outreach ==
[[FLL Discover:About|''FIRST'' LEGO<sup>&reg;</sup> League Discover (FLL Discover)]] is a program for children ages 4-6. It is an introduction to STEM through activities using LEGO&reg; Duplo bricks.
Besides working on the hardware and software aspects of the robot, many teams also do [[FTC:Outreach|outreach]] throughout the season. There are two different types of outreach: Engineering Outreach and Community Outreach.  


''For children ages 4-6, this playful introductory STEM program ignites their natural curiosity and builds their habits of learning with hands-on activities in the classroom and at home using [https://www.lego.com/en-us/themes/duplo/about LEGO<sup>&reg;</sup> Duplo] bricks.''<ref name="What is FLL">{{cite web|url=https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/fll/what-is-first-lego-league|title=What is ''FIRST'' LEGO<sup>&reg;</sup> League|publisher=firstinspires.org|access-date=1 July 2021}}</ref>
*Engineering Outreach - teams reach out to engineers in their local area to show them their robot, get feedback, and learn from the professionals.
*Community Outreach -teams demo their robot at community events, such as fairs, company demos, mentoring other teams, or volunteering at tournaments.


===FLL Explore===
Outreach is a critical part of the program and many judges appreciate teams who are active in their community.
[[FLL Explore:About|''FIRST'' LEGO<sup>&reg;</sup> League Explore (FLL Explore)]] is a program for children ages 6-10. They form teams of up to 6 people where they do research on the theme of the year and build a LEGO&reg; model representing their research. The model will include a motor for a moving part and is programmable via tablet or laptop.


''In Explore, teams of students ages 6-10 focus on the fundamentals of engineering as they explore real-world problems, learn to design and code and create unique solutions made with LEGO<sup>&reg;</sup> bricks and powered by [https://education.lego.com/en-us/products/lego-education-wedo-2-0-core-set/45300#wedo-20 LEGO<sup>&reg;</sup> Education WeDo 2.0].''<ref name="What is FLL">{{cite web|url=https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/fll/what-is-first-lego-league|title=What is ''FIRST'' LEGO<sup>&reg;</sup> League|publisher=firstinspires.org|access-date=1 July 2021}}</ref>
== Engineering Portfolio/Notebook ==
In FTC teams are required to document their season journey in an Engineering Portfolio and optionally, an Engineering Notebook.


===FLL Challenge===
*The [[FTC:Engineering Portfolio|Engineering Portfolio]] - a 15 page document that contains the reasoning behind a team’s robot and information about their season. This document is required to be turned in to the judges.
[[FLL Challenge:About|''FIRST'' LEGO<sup>&reg;</sup> League Challenge (FLL Challenge)]] is a program for 9-14 year-olds (up to 16 outside of the United States).  It includes a robot game, and also an innovative project where teams do research related to the theme of the year.
*The [[FTC:Engineering Notebook|Engineering Notebook]] - similar to the Engineering Portfolio except that it has no page limit, which allows teams to go more in-depth about their season.  


''Friendly competition is at the heart of Challenge, as teams of students ages 9-16* engage in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering – building and programming a LEGO<sup>&reg;</sup> robot that navigates the missions of a robot game. As part of Challenge, teams also participate in a research project to identify and solve a relevant real-world problem.''<ref name="What is FLL">{{cite web|url=https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/fll/what-is-first-lego-league|title=What is ''FIRST'' LEGO<sup>&reg;</sup> League|publisher=firstinspires.org|access-date=1 July 2021}}</ref>
==Cost==


==''FIRST'' Tech Challenge==
==== First Year Costs ====
[[FTC:About|''FIRST'' Tech Challenge (FTC)]] is a program for 12-18 year-olds (grade 7-12). Teams of up to 15 kids are asked to build robots using real mechanical systems and real electrical systems. They are paired with another team to form an alliance that competes against other alliances.
There are several things teams have to buy to compete in FTC. If a field is not available at their school or sponsor organization, teams have to buy a field made up of a field perimeter and foam tiles. Many teams also buy a starter kit that is used to build their robot. Kits can be bought from different companies, and each kit has different parts. Teams will have to do research to find which kit suits them best.


''FIRST'' Tech Challenge teams (up to 15 team members, grades 7-12) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format.''<ref name="What is FTC">{{cite web|url=https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/ftc/what-is-first-tech-challenge|title=What is ''FIRST'' Tech Challenge|publisher=firstinspires.org|access-date=1 July 2021}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Part
!Cost
!Description
|-
|[https://www.andymark.com/products/first-tech-challenge-perimeter-kit-b Field Perimeter]
|~$700<ref name="FTC Field Perimeter">{{cite web|url=https://www.andymark.com/products/first-tech-challenge-perimeter-kit-b|title=FTC Field Perimeter|publisher=andymark.com|access-date=22 July 2021}}</ref>
|Perimeter of the playing field
|-
|[https://www.andymark.com/products/soft-tiles-for-first-tech-challenge-field-options Field Tiles]
|~$250<ref name="FTC Field Tiles">{{cite web|url=https://www.andymark.com/products/soft-tiles-for-first-tech-challenge-field-options|title=FTC Field Tiles|publisher=andymark.com|access-date=22 July 2021}}</ref>
|Foam tiles for the playing field
|-
|Robot Starter Kit
|
*REV ~$650<ref name="REV Starter Kit">{{cite web|url=https://www.revrobotics.com/rev-45-1883/|title=REV FTC Starter Kit v3|publisher=revrobotics.com|access-date=22 July 2021}}</ref>
*Tetrix ~$710<ref name="Tetrix Starter Kit">{{cite web|url=https://www.pitsco.com/Competitions-Clubs-and-Programs/FIRST-Tech-Challenge/TETRIX-FTC-Competition-Set|title=TETRIX<sup>&reg;</sup> FIRST<sup>&reg;</sup> Tech Challenge Competition Set|publisher=pitsco.com|access-date=22 July 2021}}</ref>
*Actobotics ~$660<ref name="Actootics Starter Kit">{{cite web|url=https://www.servocity.com/ftc-competition-kit-21-22-season/|title=Actobotics FTC Competition Kit|publisher=servocity.com|access-date=22 July 2021}}</ref>
*GoBilda $773<ref name="GoBilda Starter Kit">{{cite web|url=https://www.gobilda.com/master-ftc-kit-8mm-rex-shaft-2021-2022-season/|title=GoBilda Master FTC Kit|publisher=gobilda.com|access-date=22 July 2021}}</ref>
|A basic starter kit from different companies
|-
|REV Control and Communications Bundle
|$210<ref name="FTC Choose Your Kit of Parts">{{cite web|url=https://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resource_library/ftc/kit-of-parts.pdf|format=pdf|title=FTC Choose Your Kit of Parts|publisher=firstinspires.org|access-date=22 July 2021}}</ref>
|A kit that has controllers, phone, and REV Control Hub
|-
|REV Electronics Set
|$239<ref name="FTC Choose Your Kit of Parts">{{cite web|url=https://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resource_library/ftc/kit-of-parts.pdf|format=pdf|title=FTC Choose Your Kit of Parts|publisher=firstinspires.org|access-date=22 July 2021}}</ref>
|A kit that has basic electronics and sensors
|-
|Extra Expansion Hub
|$175<ref name="REV Expansion Hub">{{cite web|url=https://www.revrobotics.com/rev-31-1153/|title=REV Expansion Hub|publisher=revrobotics.com|access-date=22 July 2021}}</ref>  
|A kit that contains REV Expansion Hub that allows for connecting more motors to a robot
|}


==''FIRST'' Robotics Competition==
==== Annual Costs ====
[[FRC:About|''FIRST'' Robotics Competition (FRC)]] is a program for 14-18 year-olds (grade 9-12). It is similar to FTC, but with a bigger team, a bigger playing field and much bigger robots.
There are some costs teams have to pay every year. This includes registration with ''FIRST'', a field kit (if a team doesn’t have access to one from their school or organization), and additional parts for a robot. Additional parts can cost anywhere from $50 for an extra motor to $175 for an extra REV Expansion Hub. These parts are optional and are not required to build a successful robot.


''Under strict rules, limited time and resources, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team.''<ref name="What is FRC">{{cite web|url=https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/what-is-first-robotics-competition|title=What is ''FIRST'' Robotics Competition|publisher=firstinspires.org|access-date=1 July 2021}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"  
|-
!Part
!Cost
!Description
|-
|Registration
|$275<ref name="FTC Cost and Registration">{{cite web|url=https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/ftc/cost-and-registration|title=FTC Cost and Registration|publisher=firstinspires.org|access-date=22 July 2021}}</ref>
|Registration with ''FIRST''
|-
|Field Kit<ref name="AndyMark FTC Parts">{{cite web|url=https://www.andymark.com/pages/first-tech-challenge|title=AndyMark FTC Parts|publisher=andymark.com|access-date=22 July 2021}}</ref>  
|
*Half field kit: ~$250
*Full field kit: ~$450
|Parts for this years playing field
|-
|Extra Parts
|Varies
|Extra parts for the robot
|}
 
== Funding A Team ==
There are three main ways of [[FTC:Funding A Team|funding teams]]:
 
*'''Sponsorship'''
**Money or in-kind donations from companies
 
*'''Fundraising'''
**GoFundMe for friends and family to donate
**Events held by teams
**Can be hosted at restaurants where teams will get a portion of the profit
 
*'''Grants'''
**Fill out applications to receive money from companies
 
== Time Commitment ==
Rookie teams typically meet once or twice a week for several hours to work on their robot. More advanced teams can meet up every day to work on their robot and other projects. Sometimes team members also work outside of meetings to research designs for their robot. If teams do outreach they will also have to meet outside their standard meeting times to do outreach in their communities. In the end it is up to the team to decide how often and how long they want to meet for.
 
== Comparison to FLL ==
For those familiar with [[FLL Challenge:About|FLL Challenge]] there will be some [[FTC:Comparing FLL and FTC|similarities and differences to FTC]]. In both, team members learn how to problem solve, program a robot, and work as a team.  However, FTC’s robots use real mechanical and electrical systems, doesn’t have a project, and has more required documentation.


==Additional Resources==
==Additional Resources==
 
[https://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resource_library/ftc/game-manual-part-1-traditional-events.pdf Game Manual Part 1]<br/>
* [https://firstinspires.org Official ''FIRST'' website]
[https://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/resource_library/ftc/game-manual-part-2-traditional-events.pdf Game Manual Part 2]
* [[wikipedia:For_Inspiration_and_Recognition_of_Science_and_Technology|''FIRST'']] on Wikipedia


==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>


[[Category:FIRST]]
[[Category:FTC]]

Revision as of 21:13, 2 August 2021

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a robotics competition created by FIRST. The goal of the program is to teach kids engineering and teamwork skills. Every year FIRST releases a new challenge theme. Teams create robots every year to compete in new challenges.

The Season

The season typically starts in early September, and tournaments occur in November/December. Teams that earn the highest awards advance to the World Championship, which is usually in April.

Event Date
Kickoff Event Early-September
Competitions November/December

(scheduled by local FIRST Partners)

The Game

Every year, the game is played on a 12’ x 12’ playing field made up of foam tiles. There are two alliances composed of two teams playing on a field at once. Each team creates a robot that cannot exceed 18” x 18” x 18” before a match starts. After the match begins, robots are allowed to grow to any size.

FTC-Field.jpg

Rules

The rules for each FTC season are defined by the Game Manual, which comes in two parts. Game Manual Part 1 contains information about what parts are allowed and lays out how the season works. Game Manual Part 2 contains information that pertains specifically to the challenge that year. It explains the tasks that are on the field for that year and any specific rules that involve those challenges.

Release Date
Game Manual Part 1 Mid-July
Game Manual Part 2 Early-September

Tournaments

Teams create their robot to compete in tournaments. There are two types of tournament formats: leagues and qualifiers. In leagues, teams compete in events called meets every other week until they compete in a Qualifier. In Qualifiers, teams compete with their robot and also have a Judging session. In Judging, teams explain to the judges their robot design process and what they did during the season.

Leagues

  • Many competitions
  • Only one chance to qualify
  • Competitions start in October and happen every other week

Qualifiers

  • Two competitions
  • Two chances to qualify
  • Tournaments take place from November until January

Hardware

Hardware is the component of the robot. Teams can use motors, servos, and structural components to build their robot. Teams can also use any part from a hardware store as long as it only has one degree of freedom, which means that it can only move in one direction (ie. a drawer slide). One of the most reliable ways to have a successful robot is to strategize and brainstorm the best way to complete the challenges of that season. The hardware team will have to create several different subsystems to complete the different challenges of the year.

Software

Software is the programming side of the robot. Teams can program using the Block Programming Tool, Java, or OnBot Java.[1]

  • Block Programming Tool - allows users to edit code using a block-based editor similar to Scratch and is considered the easiest program to learn
  • Java - text-based programming language and is used by software developers in the industry to develop applications
  • OnBot Java - a method of programming using Java directly on the robot controller

Outreach

Besides working on the hardware and software aspects of the robot, many teams also do outreach throughout the season. There are two different types of outreach: Engineering Outreach and Community Outreach.

  • Engineering Outreach - teams reach out to engineers in their local area to show them their robot, get feedback, and learn from the professionals.
  • Community Outreach -teams demo their robot at community events, such as fairs, company demos, mentoring other teams, or volunteering at tournaments.

Outreach is a critical part of the program and many judges appreciate teams who are active in their community.

Engineering Portfolio/Notebook

In FTC teams are required to document their season journey in an Engineering Portfolio and optionally, an Engineering Notebook.

  • The Engineering Portfolio - a 15 page document that contains the reasoning behind a team’s robot and information about their season. This document is required to be turned in to the judges.
  • The Engineering Notebook - similar to the Engineering Portfolio except that it has no page limit, which allows teams to go more in-depth about their season.

Cost

First Year Costs

There are several things teams have to buy to compete in FTC. If a field is not available at their school or sponsor organization, teams have to buy a field made up of a field perimeter and foam tiles. Many teams also buy a starter kit that is used to build their robot. Kits can be bought from different companies, and each kit has different parts. Teams will have to do research to find which kit suits them best.

Part Cost Description
Field Perimeter ~$700[2] Perimeter of the playing field
Field Tiles ~$250[3] Foam tiles for the playing field
Robot Starter Kit
  • REV ~$650[4]
  • Tetrix ~$710[5]
  • Actobotics ~$660[6]
  • GoBilda $773[7]
 A basic starter kit from different companies
REV Control and Communications Bundle $210[8] A kit that has controllers, phone, and REV Control Hub
REV Electronics Set $239[8] A kit that has basic electronics and sensors
Extra Expansion Hub $175[9] A kit that contains REV Expansion Hub that allows for connecting more motors to a robot

Annual Costs

There are some costs teams have to pay every year. This includes registration with FIRST, a field kit (if a team doesn’t have access to one from their school or organization), and additional parts for a robot. Additional parts can cost anywhere from $50 for an extra motor to $175 for an extra REV Expansion Hub. These parts are optional and are not required to build a successful robot.

Part Cost Description
Registration $275[10] Registration with FIRST
Field Kit[11]
  • Half field kit: ~$250
  • Full field kit: ~$450
 Parts for this years playing field
Extra Parts Varies Extra parts for the robot

Funding A Team

There are three main ways of funding teams:

  • Sponsorship
    • Money or in-kind donations from companies
  • Fundraising
    • GoFundMe for friends and family to donate
    • Events held by teams
    • Can be hosted at restaurants where teams will get a portion of the profit
  • Grants
    • Fill out applications to receive money from companies

Time Commitment

Rookie teams typically meet once or twice a week for several hours to work on their robot. More advanced teams can meet up every day to work on their robot and other projects. Sometimes team members also work outside of meetings to research designs for their robot. If teams do outreach they will also have to meet outside their standard meeting times to do outreach in their communities. In the end it is up to the team to decide how often and how long they want to meet for.

Comparison to FLL

For those familiar with FLL Challenge there will be some similarities and differences to FTC. In both, team members learn how to problem solve, program a robot, and work as a team. However, FTC’s robots use real mechanical and electrical systems, doesn’t have a project, and has more required documentation.

Additional Resources

Game Manual Part 1
Game Manual Part 2

References

  1. ↑ "FTC Programming Resources". firstinspires.org. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  2. ↑ "FTC Field Perimeter". andymark.com. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  3. ↑ "FTC Field Tiles". andymark.com. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  4. ↑ "REV FTC Starter Kit v3". revrobotics.com. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  5. ↑ "TETRIX® FIRST® Tech Challenge Competition Set". pitsco.com. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  6. ↑ "Actobotics FTC Competition Kit". servocity.com. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  7. ↑ "GoBilda Master FTC Kit". gobilda.com. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "FTC Choose Your Kit of Parts" (pdf). firstinspires.org. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  9. ↑ "REV Expansion Hub". revrobotics.com. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  10. ↑ "FTC Cost and Registration". firstinspires.org. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  11. ↑ "AndyMark FTC Parts". andymark.com. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
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