The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) challenges students to design, build, and program a robot to compete in a 2 vs 2 alliance format on an approximately 12 ft x 12 ft field against other teams. The robot kit is Android-based, and it is programmed using Java, the MIT App Inventor, or other Android programming systems. Teams, with the guidance of coaches, mentors and volunteers, are required to develop strategy and build robots based on innovative, sound engineering principles. Teams also must log their entire engineering process and outreach events to the community in their engineering notebook which is then presented at competition.
FTC At FHS Robotics
The FTC teams not only help prepare students for competitive robotics, but also provide hands-on opportunities. FTC introduces robotics and engineering, as well as knowledge in operating a team through four main subteams: Mechanical Design, Manufacturing, Software, and Business and Marketing. We also build crucial social skills, such as dedication and collaboration throughout the learning process.
Students are recruited into FTC teams through a tryout process that tests their compatibility with our organization's core values rather than their prior knowledge. To learn more, go to Recruitment.
FTC students that excel in their respective subteams or demonstrate the ability to collaborate in larger teams with more specializations are invited to join the FRC team. These attributes are important because it ensures that students already have prior knowledge about robotics and team operations before joining the more competitive FRC level.
Our FTC Teams
Every member of our team has a specific role in ensuring that we produce our best work. Our highly dedicated team members and leads ensure a reliable team system to constantly improve. We embrace the talents of the others and are able to cohesively work together in exceeding our goals.
With the guidance of our mentors, we have been empowered to put forth our best effort and without them, we wouldn’t have functional robots or teams. Their knowledge and experience helps students learn from their mistakes and acquire the skills they need to succeed.
The FTC technical subteams work to create a capable robot for competition controlled by the Drive Team, a select few students that have demonstrated their knowledge and experience with the robot. The non-technical subteam works to compose professional documentation, setup outreach, and interact with judges to earn in-competition awards.