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Electrostatic discharge events (aka �ESD events�) have the potential to disrupt the normal operation of competition robot.   As a robot moves across the floor of a FIRST Tech Challenge field, the robot tends to accumulate positive electrostatic charge on its metallic frame due to a physical phenomenon known as the triboelectric effect .   The charge that builds up on the frame can be significant (on the order of 25kV or higher).   If the charged robot touches another conductive object (such as a metallic game element, the perimeter wall, or another robot) that is at a different electrostatic potential value, an electrostatic discharge can occur and current will flow from one conductive body to the other as the charges equilibrate. These ESD events can disrupt, or in rare cases, damage the Control System electronics on a competition robot.   Charge is transferred from wheel to floor due to the triboelectric effect. Electrostatic buildup is a problem in robotics compet...

Happy Summer, FIRST� Tech Challenge Teams! That's right! We are more than half-way through the summer, and we here at Headquarters have not been idle (even while partaking in the occasion ice cream cone). The Team Information Matching System (TIMS) has been replaced by our new Team Registration housed within www.firstinspires.org . This system now plays host to ALL FOUR PROGRAM , has easier access between multiple Teams, and is located within our home website. FIRST� as an organization has moved to a single sign on within the FIRST Website ( my.firstinspires.org/Dashboard/ ). All Team Registration for each program is handled through this FIRST Portal. New Teams Once a FIRST account is created and an individual is logged in, Teams will be navigated to the Dashboard where they will be able to select �Create a Team�. Teams will select a program and be walked through the wizard to create a Team Profile. For more detailed instructions check out our Creating a Team Video.  For further...