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Everything You Need to Know About FIRST Tech Challenge

Jan 17

5 min read

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FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is an exciting and hands-on robotics competition that empowers students to dive into the world of engineering, technology, and innovation. Designed for students aged 12 to 18, FTC provides an incredible platform for students to explore STEM concepts by designing, building, and programming robots to compete in a variety of challenges. But it’s not just about robots—FTC emphasizes the values of gracious professionalism, teamwork, and community engagement.

Here’s an overview of what makes FTC such a captivating and impactful experience for young minds.



2024/2025 INTO THE DEEP Game Field
2024/2025 INTO THE DEEP Game Field

What is FIRST Tech Challenge?

Founded by the non-profit organization FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), FTC aims to inspire young minds to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) while developing critical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation. FTC teams, typically made up of 15 members or fewer, work together to design and build a robot that can perform specific tasks based on a theme that changes every season. The competition challenges students to not only build a robot but also think critically, adapt, and push their creativity to the limit.


How Does the FIRST Tech Challenge Work?

Each season, FTC unveils a new challenge with its own set of rules. The challenge involves designing and building a robot that can perform a variety of tasks that is played on a 12x12-foot field, this includes:

  • Scoring points: Teams program their robot to accomplish missions, such as stacking or moving game pieces.

  • Autonomous Period: For the first 30 seconds of each match, the robot must operate autonomously, without any input from human drivers.

  • Driver-Controlled Period: After the autonomous period, students control their robot through remote controls to complete as many tasks as possible within the remaining time limit.


In addition to robot performance, teams are judged on other important aspects:

  • Engineering Notebook (Portfolio): Teams document their design and programming process, which helps them reflect on their decisions and share their learning with others. The Portfolio includes additional information about the team and what they have accomplished during the season.

  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Teams are evaluated on how well they work together, both within their team and with other teams.

  • Outreach and Community Engagement: Teams are encouraged to share their passion for STEM with their local communities through outreach events and partnerships.


The Robot

The robots built for FTC are unique in that they are powered by motors, sensors, and microcontrollers. Teams use a variety of materials to build their robot, including aluminum, plastic, and 3D-printed parts. While the robots may start from similar kits, each team adds their own creativity and innovation to make their design stand out.

FTC robots are typically built using modular parts that can be customized and reconfigured, giving teams a wide range of design possibilities. The robots are designed to perform specific tasks required for the season’s challenge, whether it's stacking, lifting, or interacting with other robots and objects on the field.



Nuclear Space Potatoes (Team #25655) INTO THE DEEP Robot
Nuclear Space Potatoes (Team #25655) INTO THE DEEP Robot

The Competition Format

FTC competitions are organized into qualifying events, where teams compete to earn points and ranking based on their robot’s performance, teamwork, and presentation. Teams can also win awards for things like engineering excellence, innovation, and gracious professionalism. In Missouri teams progress as follows:

  • Meets (Practice Competitions): Teams participate in Meets, which are informal practice competitions hosted by local teams or organizations. These meets give teams the opportunity to test their robots, practice their strategies, and refine their designs in a more relaxed, less competitive setting. Meets help teams prepare for the official League Tournament by simulating real competition conditions, allowing them to fine-tune their robot and improve their teamwork before facing off at the qualifying events.

  • Qualifying Tournaments: Teams participate in a League Tournament pending on the teams location within Missouri. These events are a combination of head-to-head matches between robots and awards for team achievements.

  • Championship Events: The best teams from the qualifying tournaments advance to the Missouri/Kansas Regional Championship. Teams have the chance to earn higher rankings, awards, and even qualify for the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship.

At the World Championship, the top teams from around the world come together to compete, share ideas, and celebrate their achievements.


Missouri SW League - Kickapoo Meet #1 2024/2025
Missouri SW League - Kickapoo Meet #1 2024/2025

Gracious Professionalism and Core Values

FTC is more than just a competition—it’s about developing a mindset of gracious professionalism. This means competing with integrity, working as a team, and helping others learn and grow along the way. Teams are expected to collaborate, not just within their own group, but also with other teams, fostering a spirit of mutual respect and community.


In addition to gracious professionalism, FTC encourages teams to embody a set of core values as well as follow their Code of Conduct. The core values are:

  • Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.

  • Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.

  • Impact:  We apply what we learn to improve our world.

  • Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.

  • Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.

  • Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!


Skills Gained from FTC

Participating in FTC is a fantastic way for students to develop valuable skills that will serve them for years to come. Some of these skills include:

  • STEM Knowledge: Building and programming robots deepens understanding of science, technology, engineering, and math.

  • Problem Solving: Teams learn to think critically and creatively as they design solutions to complex challenges.

  • Teamwork: Students learn how to communicate and collaborate effectively in a team environment.

  • Project Management: Planning, budgeting, and executing a robotics project provides students with hands-on experience managing a technical project.

  • Public Speaking and Presentation: Teams often present their designs and ideas to judges, helping students develop their communication and public speaking skills.



Missouri SW League - Rolla Meet #2 2024/2025
Missouri SW League - Rolla Meet #2 2024/2025

How Can You Get Involved?

Getting involved in FTC is easier than you might think! Here are some ways to jump in:

  1. Join a Team: If you're a homeschooled student, check with us here at Reboot Robotics to see if there is a FTC team you may be able to join.

  2. Start a Team: If there’s no team in your area or there is one but it’s at capacity, consider starting one.

  3. Volunteer or Mentor: If you're not a student, consider mentoring a team or volunteering at events. FTC teams are always in great need of mentors who can provide guidance in areas like robot design, programming, strategy, public speaking, and marketing. Mentors are the backbone of every team, offering both technical expertise and invaluable support as students navigate the challenges of building and programming their robots.

Mentors are truly the key to propelling teams further, as their guidance helps students refine their ideas, learn new concepts, and overcome obstacles. By sharing their knowledge and experience, mentors inspire students to push the limits of their creativity, build stronger robots, and approach the competition with confidence.

  1. Support the Program: Consider donating to Reboot Robotics to help grow competitive robotics in Missouri. Sponsor one of our team/s, helping them with their budget for robot parts, travel, event registration fees, and more.


Conclusion

The FIRST Tech Challenge provides an amazing platform for students to explore the world of robotics, develop critical STEM skills, and engage in real-world problem-solving. Whether you’re building robots, tackling projects, or learning valuable life skills like teamwork and project management, FTC offers an experience like no other.


At Reboot Robotics, we’re dedicated to supporting students and coaches/mentors as they navigate the exciting world of FTC. From helping you join or start a team to providing guidance, we’re here to help you succeed and thrive in this exciting competition.


Ready to join the movement? Get involved with FTC and become part of a global community of innovators shaping the future. We’d love to hear from you—let’s create something amazing together!

Jan 17

5 min read

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17

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