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Introduction Game rules <RE13> and <RE14> in the Game Manual Part 1 have been modified to allow the use of USB Video Class ( UVC) Compatible Cameras for computer vision-related tasks.   Teams have the option of using an externally connected camera instead of the Android smartphone�s built-in camera for computer vision tasks. The advantage of using an external camera is that the camera can be mounted in a location that is convenient for vision-related tasks while the Android Robot Controller can be mounted where it is convenient for Robot Controller-related tasks. The disadvantage of using an external camera is there is additional complexity introduced with the USB-connected camera.   An external camera adds costs and weight to a robot and it needs to be wired correctly to run properly. What type of external camera can be used? The system supports �UVC� or USB Video Device Class cameras.   Theoretically, if a camera is UVC compliant, then it should work with...

Here at FIRST our mission is to inspire the next generation of technology leaders. That�s a pretty powerful mission, and one that�s hard to argue with.  The question is, how do we do that? Maybe more pointedly, how does the new FIRST Tech Challenge Android-based platform help? FIRST Tech Challenge teams are presented with a completely unstructured problem. They have a list of approved parts and an annual game . From those they must design, develop, build and test a robot. How does Android help better prepare students? While the mechanical and electrical engineering content of the program are about equivalent to prior years, the new Android operating system opens up many more opportunities for FIRST Tech Challenge participants to connect what they�re learning to the real world. FIRST Tech Challenge teams will learn how to program using Java , the backbone of the Android operating system. In doing so they will learn to be App Designers.  According to a January 2015 article ...

Watch and learn as Thomas Eng, FTC Engineer, discusses the new technology and provides both an overview and a demonstration for teams who haven't been able to see a live demonstration yet. At the end of the presentation, Tom answers the viewer's questions. For more information: Learn about the  FIRST  Tech Challenge Read the  Official  FIRST  Press Release Read the  FTC Technology FAQs webpage   Ask your questions and learn more at the FTC Technology Forum

Director of FTC, Ken Johnson discusses the components you'll need to transition from an existing FTC robot to the new platform. Check out these videos to take a closer look at the new android device, power module, and legacy module. All of the necessary elements will be available for order from our new FTC storefront as soon as they're available. Click the photos below to see the videos! For more information: Learn about the  FIRST  Tech Challenge Read the  Official  FIRST  Press Release Read the  FTC Technology FAQs webpage   Check out the  FTC Technology Forum

Ken Johnson interviews FTC Team #4029 about the transition from the NXT system to the new Android-based platform. We're excited about the positive reviews! With some basic rewiring and a quick setup on your computer your robot can be transitioned to the new Android-based platform. Click below to see the student's interview at the Lexington Pilot event. For more information: Learn about the  FIRST  Tech Challenge Read the  Official  FIRST  Press Release Read the  FTC Technology FAQs webpage   Check out the  FTC Technology Forum

Our next installment of  FTC Tech Talk  gives a more in-depth look at the three programming levels that will be available to FTC teams . Ken Johnson describes the first level as an app that will be available to download on to your robot device and driver station device. The second level of programming that will be available is based on MIT App Inventor, which provides a scratch-like interface. The third level will be Java programming. Check out our video to learn more about the programming options that will be available next season.   MIT App Inventor:  http://appinventor.mit.edu/explore/ Android Studio:   http://developer.android.com/training/index.html For more information: Learn about the  FIRST  Tech Challenge Read the  Official  FIRST  Press Release Read the  FTC Technology FAQs webpage   Check out the  FTC Technology Forum

Our next installment of FTC Tech Talk gives a more in-depth look at the technology transition. Ken Johnson discusses the hardware and electronics that can be carried forward with the new platform as well as the exciting transition to Java-based programming. Check out our video to see the configuration of the new platform. For more information: Learn about the FIRST Tech Challenge Read the  Official  FIRST  Press Release Read the  FTC Technology FAQs webpage   Check out the FTC Technology Forum