What's New for the 2018-2019 Season


Hello FIRST Tech Challenge Teams! We hope you�ve had a great season of recovering relics, and hope you are just as excited as we are to move into the new ROVER RUCKUS Presented by Qualcomm season! We know you�re wondering what the next year will bring, and we have some important updates to share with you to help prepare you for the 2018-2019 season.


Technology Phase Out
FIRST Tech Challenge technology has come a long way over the past 3 seasons. After the introduction of the REV Expansion Hub for the 2017-2018 season, we�ve seen positive results not only in tech reliability, but also ease of use for our teams. With these strides in technology, comes the phase out of previously supported legacy modules. The following modules will no longer be supported moving into the 2018-2019 season:
  •          Legacy HiTechnic DC Motor Controller
  •          Legacy HiTechnic Servo Controller
  •          Legacy MATRIX DC Motor/Servo Controller
  •          Legacy Sensors (LEGO and NXT sensors)
  •          Core Legacy Module


Modern Robotics Core Control Modules, except the Core Legacy Modules, will still be allowed for the upcoming season. The REV Expansion hub will continue to be allowed, and will be included in the official kit of parts.

Programming Languages
This season we will also be phasing out App Inventor, and this will no longer be an allowed programming language. We will continue to allow FTC Blocks, OnBot Java, Android Studio, Java Native Interface (JNI) and Android Native Development Kit (NDK).

Robot Weight Limit
The coming season will impose a weight limit for Robots of 42 pounds total. More details on this rule change will be outlined in the Game Manual Part 1 scheduled for release in July 2018.

Game Manual Part 1
Make sure to keep an eye out for the 2018-2019 version of the Game Manual Part 1, to be released in July 2018. All the important changes listed above will be outlined. Plus, you just might find a game hint hidden within!

If you have any questions about our changes for the upcoming season please email us at ftcteams@firstinspires.org. 

Click here to register for our 2018-2019 Rover Ruckus Presented by Qualcomm season! 


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