FIRST Tech Challenge
FIRST Tech Competition is BGC's intermediate robotics offering. Every year the team is given a new challenge, and in just 8 weeks students design, manufacture, build, program, and iterate a medium-sized metal robot.
Students learn to build robots through direct support from staff instructors and dedicated volunteer mentors, who share their extensive technical expertise.
The FTC program is really a team sport. Students spend multiple years on their team, learning from volunteer mentors and building friendships with their teammates.
At a Glance
Kit-Based System
FTC Robots are built on top of a metal build system kit
This provides a very easy starting point, as students can just start building by feel and intuition like LEGO, while still working with real metal parts
3D Printing
3D printing is used extensively in FTC for custom parts
It allows for quickly making adapters, brackets, pulleys, and much more. While FTC loads are generally low-enough to use common materials, engineering filaments are used when needed.
2-on-2 Matches
Robots play competition matches in a 2-on-2 format
Matches have fast pacing, and some robot-to-robot interaction. Collisions are generally gentler and rarely cause damage. The rotating 2-on-2 alliances also give the opportunity to play both with and against teams from across the province
3D Modelled Parts
Individual parts are modelled as-needed
Modelling parts allows for them to be 3D printed or machined in our shop. The more interest students have in modelling, the more of the robot we can model.
Machine Shop Access
While the kit and 3D printed parts are usually enough, FTC teams can use our machine shop
Cutting metal to length, making simple brackets, or even fully CNC-machining custom metal and plastic plates are all possible if the design requires
Java Programming
FTC robots have are programmed in Java, or a block system that closely matches it
Students develop the logic needed for systems like arms, claws, and flywheels, driver control, and autonomous movement
Computer Vision
Computer vision is available for FTC robots.
Industry-standard AprilTag markers are placed around the field, and can be used to align with goals. Their value generally varies year-to-year.
Engineering Portfolio
Students develop an engineering portfolio throughout the season
The portfolio is part of a presentation to judges used for determining various awards. It provides a great opportunity to get real experience with documenting the design process.
Season Timeline
TODO, with react-google-charts
Competitions
Competitions are the focal point of the FTC program. It's our chance to show what we've build, improve it as we go, and meet all the other teams building for the same challenge.
FTC Qualifiers are single-day Saturday events, with up to 24 local teams.
Kingston Qualifier
We'll attend one event in Kingston, making it accessible for everyone without needing to travel.
The event is hosted at LCVI, and we're expecting it will be in mid December
Ottawa Qualifier
At least one team will attend the Ottawa qualifier. If more students are able to travel, then more teams will attend.
The event is hosted at Earl of March Secondary School, and we're expecting it will be in early December
Attending competitions is not required to be a part of the team. Most of what we do happens in the shop, and while competitions are an amazing experience you can get most of the program's value without ever travelling.