What is FTC Robotics?
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is part of an international robotics program that includes more than 6,400 teams globally. The program is run by FIRST, who is the world’s leading youth-serving nonprofit focused on STEM education. Within Minnesota, the program is managed by High Tech Kids, who also manages the FIRST Lego League.
What do you do in FTC Robotics?
This team-based, hands-on, competitive robotics program provides challenging and exciting learning opportunities for young people. It develops teamwork and leadership skills and promotes excitement in science and technology. Students collaborate to build and program a robot that competes on a 12’ by 12’ field. Each year the challenge is designed to challenge students to think critically and expand their knowledge of the engineering process. In addition to building a robot, teams will connect with their community and businesses to raise the awareness of STEAM.
Is the game the same every year?
No! Each year's game is different, with a variety of ways to score points. Your team determines which points to pursue when designing your robot. The new game and rules are released in early September as part of the kick off to the season. Something will remain the same from year to year, like the robot's size and the size of the competition fields, which are 12 foot x 12 foot foam mats surrounded by plastic walls.
How do matches work?
Matches are 2 vs 2, with a randomly assigned team, called an Alliance Partner, and two opponents for each match. They call it "Cooperatition", cooperating and competing with "Gracious Professionalism." Each match lasts 2 minute & 30 second match. The first 30 sec. are autonomous, where the robot conducts preprogrammed tasks. The next two min. are driver controlled (AKA teleop) with video game controllers, where students drive the robot around to get as many points as possible. The final 30 seconds of driver controlled/teleop includes special ways to score, called End Game.
How do tournaments work?
Tournaments happen on a Saturday or Sunday typically in Mid-Nov-early Jan. At a tournament, teams will have 5 matches that a After match play is completed, teams are ranked and form alliance teams, who move into a best of three playoff format. Technical and non-technical awards are given out. so much fun!
Do the students build and code the robots?
Yes! The students will come up with their own design. They will use the parts from our collection, order additional parts, and even 3D print unique parts. They will code the robot in either Blockly, OnBot Java or Java with GitHub.
What are the ages of the students?
FTC Robotics is available for 7th-12 graders. Younger students can check out FIRST Lego League at High Tech Kids or FIRST websites for the latest information.
How long is a season?
Season is officially kicked off in early September with a meetings happening before then to prepare. Each team will do a couple of tournaments in between late November through early January. If the team is one of the top performers at the tournament, they will earn a bid for the state competition in February. If the team is one of the top performers again at state, they will earn a bid for the world competition in April in Houston, TX.
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is part of an international robotics program that includes more than 6,400 teams globally. The program is run by FIRST, who is the world’s leading youth-serving nonprofit focused on STEM education. Within Minnesota, the program is managed by High Tech Kids, who also manages the FIRST Lego League.
What do you do in FTC Robotics?
This team-based, hands-on, competitive robotics program provides challenging and exciting learning opportunities for young people. It develops teamwork and leadership skills and promotes excitement in science and technology. Students collaborate to build and program a robot that competes on a 12’ by 12’ field. Each year the challenge is designed to challenge students to think critically and expand their knowledge of the engineering process. In addition to building a robot, teams will connect with their community and businesses to raise the awareness of STEAM.
Is the game the same every year?
No! Each year's game is different, with a variety of ways to score points. Your team determines which points to pursue when designing your robot. The new game and rules are released in early September as part of the kick off to the season. Something will remain the same from year to year, like the robot's size and the size of the competition fields, which are 12 foot x 12 foot foam mats surrounded by plastic walls.
How do matches work?
Matches are 2 vs 2, with a randomly assigned team, called an Alliance Partner, and two opponents for each match. They call it "Cooperatition", cooperating and competing with "Gracious Professionalism." Each match lasts 2 minute & 30 second match. The first 30 sec. are autonomous, where the robot conducts preprogrammed tasks. The next two min. are driver controlled (AKA teleop) with video game controllers, where students drive the robot around to get as many points as possible. The final 30 seconds of driver controlled/teleop includes special ways to score, called End Game.
How do tournaments work?
Tournaments happen on a Saturday or Sunday typically in Mid-Nov-early Jan. At a tournament, teams will have 5 matches that a After match play is completed, teams are ranked and form alliance teams, who move into a best of three playoff format. Technical and non-technical awards are given out. so much fun!
Do the students build and code the robots?
Yes! The students will come up with their own design. They will use the parts from our collection, order additional parts, and even 3D print unique parts. They will code the robot in either Blockly, OnBot Java or Java with GitHub.
What are the ages of the students?
FTC Robotics is available for 7th-12 graders. Younger students can check out FIRST Lego League at High Tech Kids or FIRST websites for the latest information.
How long is a season?
Season is officially kicked off in early September with a meetings happening before then to prepare. Each team will do a couple of tournaments in between late November through early January. If the team is one of the top performers at the tournament, they will earn a bid for the state competition in February. If the team is one of the top performers again at state, they will earn a bid for the world competition in April in Houston, TX.