FIRST Tech Challenge Tech Talk: Technology Evolution

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 Hub and Modern Robotics configurations are legal for use in the
2017-2018 season. Robots will have the same capabilities with either product. For the 2017-2018
season, FIRST will only offer the REV Robotics Expansion Hub in the FIRST storefront. Teams using Modern Robotics electronic devices may purchase additional electronic devices directly through Modern Robotics.

Learn more about the Rev Expansion Hub here! 

Read more about why we're making this change here! 

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