FIRST Technology Challenge

Read our new technology evolution announcement here! Q: Why the change? A: There are several reasons for the change to the REV Robotics Expansion Hub. The new configuration will be easier for teams to use. Placement of the single REV Robotics Expansion Hub takes up less “real estate” and will give teams more options in how they build their robots. Wiring will be more straight forward with fewer connections. Also, REV Robotics Expansion Hub connectors use compact hobby-style connectors that are commonly used in the RC/hobby industry. These connectors offer greater resilience to shock and vibration. The cost of a single, integrated electronics hub is less expensive than several discrete devices.   These benefits follow the similar evolution of most electronics (smaller, faster, cheaper).    Q : How does this effect programming?   A: This year, teams programmed in JAVA via Android Studio, App Inventor, or Blocks.   Next year, the same languages will be allowed and teams should see litt

FIRST® is proud to introduce the REV Robotics Expansion Hub as an exciting addition to our FIRST® Tech Challenge kit for the 2017-2018 season. This new drop-in device replaces the functions of five Modern Robotics devices. The REV Robotics Expansion Hub accomplishes this by including: Four DC motor outputs with matching encoder ports Six servo motor outputs Four analog sensor inputs Eight digital sensor inputs Four independent I2C sensor buses Built-in inertial measurement unit (Bosch BNO055 9-axis absolute orientation sensor) Teams will continue to program their robots using the same languages they do now--running on the Android operating system. Android handsets will also continue to be the interface at both the driver station and on the robot. Teams may use up to two REV Robotics Expansion Hubs on their robots. REV Robotics Expansion Hub Benefits: Space-saving size Reduced complexity of wiring Reduction in cost Uses more compact and robust connectors Both the REV Robotics Expansion