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Are you ready to dive into an underwater world of innovation and teamwork? This year's FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC) game, REEFSCAPE℠, plunges teams into an ocean adventure where engineering meets ecology! This article will provide an overview of FIRST® and FRC, explore the intricacies of this year's REEFSCAPE℠ game, and share essential robotics tools to help teams succeed.

About FIRST® Robotics Competition

During the 2024-2025 FIRST® DIVE℠ season, teams will explore the marvels of ocean ecosystems. FRC’s REEFSCAPE℠ challenges students to engineer solutions for restoring vibrant reefs, fostering collaboration, and making waves of impact in their communities.  The FIRST® Robotics Competition is one of the flagship programs of FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) designed to get students aged 14-18 to design, build, and program robots to compete in exciting annual challenges. Beyond technical skills, students learn to develop team branding, forge community partnerships, and promote STEM in their local communities—making an impact both on and off the competition field.

FRC REEFSCAPE℠ Game Overview

In REEFSCAPE℠, alliances of three teams compete to score points by harvesting algae, placing coral on their reef, and attaching to their barge before time runs out. This game rewards creativity, strategy, and cooperation with opponents, emphasizing the core value of Coopertition®.

Key Gameplay Highlights:

• Autonomous Phase (First 15 seconds): Robots operate independently, leaving their starting zone, scoring coral on the reef, harvesting algae, and collecting additional coral.
• Teleoperated Phase (2 minutes and 15 seconds): Drivers control their robots to collect coral from human players and score it on the reef. Robots can also dislodge algae and deliver it to processors or score it on the barge.
• Endgame (Final 30 seconds):
  • Robots race to their barge to hang on the cage and ascend.
  • Points depend on cage depth (Shallow or Deep).
  • Bonus points are awarded for completing additional tasks.

 Ranking Points: Here is a breakdown of the ranking points (RP) for REEFSCAPE℠. This year, ties are worth only one ranking point, marking a shift from previous seasons.

• Autonomous Ranking Point (RP): Earned when all robots leave their starting zone and score coral during the autonomous phase.
• Coral RP: Achieved by scoring coral across all four reef levels. Teams can reduce the requirements for this RP by completing Coopertition tasks.
• Coopertition® Point: Awarded when alliances deliver at least two algae to the processor, benefiting all teams involved.
• Barge RP: Gained by scoring enough barge points during the endgame.
• Match Outcome RP: A win is worth three points, while a tie earns one point. This year, teams can earn up to six RPs per match.

Please refer to the Game Manual for complete ranking points and scoring details. Achieving success in REEFSCAPE℠ requires not just strategy but also the right equipment. Here’s how Studica Robotics can help.

Tools to Succeed

To excel in REEFSCAPE℠, having reliable and versatile robotics components is critical. Studica Robotics offers a wide range of robot parts and kits to help teams meet the competition's unique demands.  

Compliant Wheels: Optimize your intake systems with Studica Robotics' compliant wheels (flex wheels)! Perfect for grabbing coral and managing algae, these flex wheels come in various sizes and durometers to suit every team’s strategy.  

Training Robots: The Stack - Autonomous Mobile Robotics Trainer is the ultimate hands-on training solution. With advanced sensors, Mecanum wheels, and robust features, it’s ideal for building skills to conquer REEFSCAPE℠.  

NavX2-MXP Navigation Sensors: Studica Robotics now offers the navigation sensors formerly available from Kauai Labs including the NavX2-Micro Robotics Navigation Sensor and the NavX2-MXP Robotics Navigation Sensor  (a drop-in replacement for the “Classic” navX-MXP) that offers enhanced performance, ensuring your robot stays on course in every match.  

Cypher MAX Through Bore Encoder: The Cypher MAX Through Bore Encoder is an excellent tool to learn and utilize Odometry for swerve drive modules.    

V-Rail Extrusions: V-Rails, commonly referred to as "churros" are important structure components for your robot build.

The 2025 FIRST® Robotics Competition season is here, brimming with ocean-themed excitement, innovation, and teamwork. As teams rise to the challenge in REEFSCAPE℠, they’ll embody the spirit of creativity, collaboration, and Coopertition®. Equip your team for success with Studica Robotics—your trusted source for innovative components and tools. Dive in today!  

Exploring V Rail Applications to Elevate Your Robotics Projects v-rail-applications-robotics The T-Slot 3030 V Rail from Studica Robotics is a reliable choice for robotics applications, camera sliders, and more. We’re excited to introduce the versatile T-Slot 3030 V Rail from Studica Robotics, available in 10 customizable lengths ranging from 48mm to 1000mm. Whether building in the classroom or for competitions like  FIRST^® Tech Challenge (FTC),  FIRST^® Robotics Competition (FRC), or even automation applications, this lightweight, durable V Rail is engineered to provide strength, flexibility, and precision. Let's explore how you can use them to take your robotics projects to the next level!

V Rail Applications for Robotics and Beyond

The design of our T-Slot 3030 V Rail makes it a versatile tool. It can serve as stabilizer bars to strengthen your robot’s structure or as support columns for creating sturdy stack bots and vertical builds. Its V-shaped groove ensures smooth, precise alignment, making it perfect for linear motion systems that slide effortlessly in any direction. Thanks to its modularity and flexibility, this rail is also ideal for constructing robot bases, end-effector mounts, conveyor systems, and even camera sliders.

Uses for Robotics Competitions like FTC

Robotics teams need adaptable, modular, and reliable components to succeed in competitions. The T-Slot 3030 V Rail provides precisely that. Its versatile design enables teams to construct robust structures, integrate precise motion systems, and quickly adapt to changing design requirements. Here are just a few practical applications for FTC teams:

• Stabilizer Bars: Reinforce your robot's structural integrity with lightweight and sturdy stabilizer bars.
• Support Columns: Use the rail as columns to support stack bots or vertical structures.
• Linear Motion Systems: Create smooth and accurate linear slide systems for mechanisms that require precise movement. The V-shaped groove ensures alignment and stability for carriages and sliders.
• Custom Builds: Easily cut the rail to size to match your unique project requirements.

Whether building a chassis, supporting lift mechanisms, or creating a slide system for sample collection in the INTO THE DEEP challenge, the T-Slot 3030 V Rail delivers the flexibility and strength your team needs to perform at its best.

Engineered to Address Common Robotics Challenges

1. Customizable Lengths: Available in 10 options ranging from 48mm to 1000mm and easily cut to size for custom applications.
2. Compatible Design: Features a 14mm through hole that perfectly fits the Studica Robotics 6mmID x 14mmOD Flanged Bearing or Bronze Bushing.
3. Streamlined Assembly: Compatible with M3 T-Slot Nut Hammer Head Series 20 for quick and secure component attachment.
4. Threaded Ends: Four M3 threaded holes on each end simplify mounting and adding other components.
5. Lightweight Yet Strong: Made from durable aluminum, it offers strength and stability without adding unnecessary weight to your build.

Ready to elevate your robotics game? The T-Slot 3030 V Rail is here to empower your creativity and performance, whether you’re gearing up for the FTC season, innovating in the classroom, or tackling your next automation challenge. With customizable lengths, and unmatched versatility, it’s more than just a tool—it’s your launchpad for success. Check it out today and turn your big ideas into reality!

Ready to dive into the 2024-2025 FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) season? Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting, Studica Robotics has your back with the perfect solution to help you build, prototype, and compete—the FTC Starter Kit! This kit is crafted to power up your skills and boost your team’s confidence as you design, build, and test your robot for the season ahead.

 What's in the FTC Starter Kit?

The FTC Starter Kit (2024-2025) packs a range of high-quality robotics components designed for hands-on competition prep. It includes sturdy structural pieces, essential brackets, and reliable motion components, giving you everything you need to bring your robot to life. (Controllers not included.) View the full list of components.

Why Choose the FTC Starter Kit?

What’s New in the 2024-2025 Kit?

This season, we’ve upped the game with exciting updates tailored for the INTO THE DEEP challenge:

Ready to Start Building?

Your FTC Starter Kit has all the structural items and motion components needed to build a solid starter bot for this season’s INTO THE DEEP challenge. To compete in FTC, add a FIRST-approved REV Control Hub and Electronics Set, available through your FIRST Dashboard. At Studica Robotics, we’re dedicated to more than just selling components—we’re here to provide solutions. From top-quality products to expert support, our mission is to make robotics accessible and inspiring for students. We can’t wait to see what your team creates. Visit our website, get your FTC Starter Kit, and let’s build something amazing together. Best of luck to all teams competing this season!

In the fast-paced world of FTC robotics competitions, every component matters. Selecting the right actuator can make the difference between smooth, efficient performance and costly breakdowns during a match. Linear actuators offer mechanical advantages that can be used in different robotics applications, especially when precision and controlled movements are key. In this guide, we’ll explore the purpose of these important, compact, and simple linear motion tools and how to select the best linear servo RC actuator to boost your FTC robot's performance. Whether you need power for heavy lifting or speed for quick extensions, the right actuator can make all the difference.

How to Choose an Actuator

Imagine your robot extending its arm with lightning speed or smoothly lifting heavy objects easily—that’s the power of selecting the correct linear actuator. An actuator converts electrical signals into motion. While standard servos control angular movement, linear actuators move in a straight line, making them ideal for precision tasks—such as lifting, extending, or pushing parts of your robot. Here are key factors to consider:

Max Force and Speed:

Force is measured in newtons (N), and speed is the rate at which the actuator extends. Choose according to your needs:

• 190N (Approx. 43 lbs): Built for high load capacity, operating at 6 mm/s. Perfect for heavy-duty tasks like suspending or lifting robots.
• 95N (Approx. 21 lbs): Offer a balance of power and speed, extending 13 mm/s. Ideal for tasks requiring strength without compromising speed.
• 40N (Approx. 9 lbs): Designed for lighter tasks, with fast movement at 24 mm/s. Great for applications needing quick extension with minimal force.

Stroke Length:

• 50mm Stroke: Ideal for compact builds or tasks where reach isn't crucial.
• 140mm Stroke: Suited for tasks requiring greater reach, like extending arms or hanging mechanisms.

Linear Servo Actuator Comparison

Here’s a breakdown of Studica Robotics’ linear servo RC actuators:

1. • 140S-190N Actuator: With a 140mm stroke and 13 mm/s speed, this actuator provides 190N of force. It’s ideal for mechanisms that need both power and speed, such as extending arms or secondary slides in a multistage elevator. It’s powerful enough to suspend a robot on its own.
   • 140S-95N Actuator: This 140mm stroke actuator balances power and speed, with a 13 mm/s speed and 95N force. It’s perfect for lifting and pushing tasks where stability is key. It's slower than the 40N actuator but excels at handling heavier loads. (Note: This option is only available while supplies last, at our US website https://www.studica.com/studica-robotics-brand/linear-rc-actuator-140mm-50n)
   • 140S-40N Actuator: Featuring a 140mm stroke and fast 26 mm/s speed, this actuator offers 40N of force, making it ideal for fast extensions over long distances, such as in hanging mechanisms.
   • 50S-190N Actuator: This 50mm stroke actuator operates at 6 mm/s and delivers 190N of force, making it suitable for short-distance tasks requiring high load capacity, like cascading slides.
   • 50S-40N Actuator: Compact with a 50mm stroke and 26 mm/s speed, this actuator delivers 40N of force and is perfect for precision tasks like small arms or grippers, as well as pick-and-place mechanisms.

View details for these robot actuators in the table below!

*Available while supplies last!

Understanding Pulse Range Width

Linear servos have a different pulse width range compared to standard servos. While regular servos operate within a 500-2500 µs range, linear servos typically work within 900-2100 µs. Calibration is often needed, as each servo may have slightly different values for the fully retracted and extended positions. This is crucial for programming, especially when using Java.

 Maximize Your Robot’s Potential

Now that you know how to choose the best linear servo actuator, it’s time to put that power into action. Make sure your robot has the best chance to outperform the competition, equip it with the optimal linear servo actuator from Studica Robotics today!