FTC

FTC LogoFTC (First Tech Challenge) is a national competition designed to bridge the gap between the elementary school level FLL, FIRST LEGO league, and the high school level FRC, FIRST Robotics Competition.  This competition is geared towards middle school students, and is part of a sequence of 4 competitions organized by FIRST. FIRST, an acronym standing for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology,” is an organization that “inspires young people to be science and technology leaders, 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.” Designed for children eighteen and younger, it does this by hosting competitions in which students design robots to complete specific tasks.

Bowled-Over-Logo-TMThis year’s FTC challenge is to create a robot that will score as many points as possible within a 2 minute and 30 second period. In the first 30 seconds, also known as the autonomous period, the robot moves, without a driver, based on previously programmed information. It scores by knocking down crates, and by parking in different specified areas.

During the second period of the match (lasting for 90 seconds), a driver controls the robot. This is generally the period where the most scoring will take place, as there are many new ways to score during this period compared to the autonomous period.  These include:

During the last 30 seconds of the game, also known as the end game, the robot is still controlled by a driver and can still score similar to the second period.  Moreover, the robot may now manipulate a bowling ball. Points given for the bowling ball are determined by the bowling ball’s placement.

It is important to note that each team will be paired with another team, in an alliance, during matches to compete against opposing alliances.