FTC:Comparing FLL and FTC

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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)

  • Last 30 seconds is “Endgame”
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)

  • OnBot Java
  • Android Studio
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
  • ~$500 for robot kit
  • ~$100 for FLL table
~$2000 for rookie year
  • ~$1000 for robot kit
  • ~$1000 for field
~$500 annual cost
  • ~$400 for registrations
  • ~$100 for field kit
~$1000 annual cost
  • ~$600 for registrations
  • ~$400 for field kit
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.

Additional Resources

References