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Quick Summary: WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 brought together nearly 1,400 Competitors from around the world to demonstrate their technical and vocational skills across 64 competitions. Autonomous Mobile Robotics (AMR) showcased the engineering, programming, electronics, and problem-solving skills behind intelligent mobile robots, while Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) made its WorldSkills debut, highlighting the technology behind modern drones. Explore the AMR and UAS competition results, meet the medalists and Medal for Excellence recipients, and celebrate the competitors who brought their skills to the international stage.

WorldSkills Shanghai 2026: A Global Celebration of Skills

Held September 22–27, 2026, in Shanghai, China, the 48th WorldSkills Competition brought together young skilled professionals from around the world. Across 64 skill competitions spanning six sectors, participants demonstrated the practical expertise, technical knowledge, and precision required in a wide range of industry disciplines. WorldSkills provides an international platform for competitors to demonstrate their abilities while highlighting the importance of technical and vocational education and training. The event also offers a closer look at the skills behind modern industries, from advanced manufacturing and information technology to construction, transportation, and personal services. Two competitions at Shanghai 2026 highlighted different aspects of modern technology: Autonomous Mobile Robotics, which focuses on mobile robots and their integrated systems, and Unmanned Aerial Systems, which centers on the technology behind unmanned aircraft. Together, AMR and UAS demonstrate how engineering, electronics, software, and practical problem-solving contribute to increasingly sophisticated technological systems.

Autonomous Mobile Robotics at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

Autonomous Mobile Robotics is part of the Manufacturing and Engineering Technology sector at WorldSkills. The competition brings together mechanical engineering, electronics, programming, sensors, and control systems to address challenges involving mobile robotic systems. Competitors must understand how these components work together, then apply their knowledge to build, configure, test, and troubleshoot robots according to specific competition requirements. Key technical skills associated with AMR include:

• Mechanical engineering and assembly: Understanding robot structures, drive systems, components, and mechanical configurations.
• Electronics and control systems: Integrating the electrical and electronic components that enable a robot to operate.
• Programming and automation: Developing and configuring software to control robot behavior.
• Sensors and navigation: Using technologies that help robots interpret their surroundings and move through an environment.
• Testing and troubleshooting: Identifying problems, refining configurations, and evaluating system performance.
• Technical problem-solving: Applying engineering knowledge to practical challenges and defined requirements.

These skills are relevant to industries that use robotics and automation, including manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, mining, and other fields where mobile robots can perform specialized tasks.

The Robotics Kits Behind the AMR Competition

The official WorldSkills Autonomous Mobile Robotics competition collections provide the components used to build and configure competition robots. As a WorldSkills Global Partner and the exclusive supplier for the AMR competition, Studica Robotics supports the competition technology and the development of robotics skills on the international stage.

The WorldSkills Autonomous Mobile Robotics BASE Collection includes the components needed to build four base robots: Differential Drive, Differential Drive All-Terrain, Mecanum, and X-Drive. The FULL Collection includes the BASE Collection components, plus additional parts for the robot OMS assemblies.

These configurations offer different approaches to robot movement, giving competitors the opportunity to work with mechanical design, drive systems, and integrated robotics technology.

WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 AMR Competition Results

Congratulations to all 36 Competitors representing 18 countries and regions in the Autonomous Mobile Robotics competition. Each competitor brought technical knowledge, dedication, and problem-solving skills to this challenging event. China earned gold, followed by Korea with silver and Brazil with bronze. The table below lists the top nine teams, including the top three medal-winning teams and the teams recognized with a Medal for Excellence. Rankings, awards, and scores are shown as reported in the official competition results.

Unmanned Aerial Systems: A WorldSkills First

WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 marked the first appearance of Unmanned Aerial Systems as a WorldSkills competition skill. The field, commonly associated with drones, combines aircraft hardware, electronics, flight control, communications, sensors, and software. UAS technicians build, test, and maintain unmanned aircraft. Their work requires an understanding of how the aircraft's physical components interact with onboard electronics and software to support reliable operation. Key technical skills associated with UAS include:

• Aircraft assembly and maintenance: Understanding the components and structures needed to build and maintain unmanned aircraft.
• Flight control systems: Working with the electronics and software that govern aircraft behavior.
• Electronics and communications: Understanding how onboard systems communicate and exchange information.
• Sensors and navigation: Applying sensor data and navigation technologies to support aircraft operation.
• Software and system integration: Bringing hardware and software together into a functioning system.
• Testing and troubleshooting: Identifying technical issues and checking system performance.
• Safety and regulatory awareness: Recognizing the importance of safe operations and applicable requirements for unmanned aircraft.

Unmanned aerial systems, such as drones, are used in aerial surveying, infrastructure inspection, precision agriculture, construction, firefighting, wildlife conservation, and public safety. Although the technical requirements vary by application, reliable systems, sound engineering, and careful testing remain important throughout the field. The introduction of UAS at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 brought additional attention to a technical discipline where aviation, robotics, electronics, and computing increasingly intersect.

Exploring UAS Technology with the Studica WS500 Quadcopter Kit

The Studica Robotics WS500 UAV Quadcopter Kit provides a hands-on way to explore the technology behind unmanned aerial systems. Its components include a carbon-fiber frame, flight controller, companion computer, and sensors. The kit brings together mechanical, electronic, and software elements that can help learners explore topics such as flight control, navigation, sensor integration, and robotics software. For students and educators, hands-on platforms offer a practical way to investigate the systems behind drone technology and develop an understanding of how different technical disciplines work together.

WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 UAS Competition Results

Congratulations to all 11 competitors representing 11 countries and regions in the inaugural Unmanned Aerial Systems competition. As the first group to compete in this new WorldSkills skill, they helped establish an exciting milestone for the international skills community. China earned gold, followed by Macao, China, with silver and Kazakhstan with bronze. The table below lists the three medalists and the Competitors who received a Medal for Excellence. It does not represent the complete standings for all 11 participants.

Connecting Competition Skills with Real-World Technology

Although AMR and UAS address different types of robotic systems, both require an understanding of how hardware, electronics, sensors, and software work together. In autonomous mobile robotics, these skills can support work involving automated manufacturing, material handling, mobile robot configuration, and system integration. In UAS, related knowledge can be applied to drone assembly, maintenance, testing, and the integration of flight control and sensor systems. Both fields also rely on troubleshooting. Engineers and technicians must identify problems, evaluate system behavior, and make adjustments to help equipment perform as intended. For students and educators, these competitions provide a practical illustration of the technical disciplines involved in modern robotics and automation. They also offer a useful starting point for exploring further education and potential careers in engineering, electronics, software, robotics, and unmanned systems.

The Importance of International Skills Competitions

WorldSkills places technical achievement in an international context. Competitors represent their countries and regions while demonstrating the knowledge, precision, and practical abilities developed through education and training. For students, educators, and people exploring technical careers, competitions offer a tangible view of what advanced skills look like in practice. For industry and the wider public, they provide an opportunity to recognize the expertise behind the technologies used in everyday life. Just as importantly, these events celebrate the people behind the skills. Preparing for and competing at an international event takes dedication, practice, and a willingness to tackle challenging technical problems. Every participant contributes to the broader goal of recognizing skilled professionals and inspiring future generations.

Studica's Connection to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

As a WorldSkills Global Partner and the exclusive supplier for the Autonomous Mobile Robotics Competition, Studica Robotics develops and supports the technology behind the AMR skill. Studica also supports hands-on learning in unmanned aerial systems through resources such as the WS500 UAV Quadcopter Kit.

Through these robotics platforms and educational resources, Studica helps connect competition skills with practical learning opportunities. At WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, the competitors took center stage, demonstrating the technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities these fields demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is WorldSkills Shanghai 2026?

WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 was the 48th WorldSkills Competition, held September 22–27, 2026, in Shanghai, China. The event brought together nearly 1,400 competitors to demonstrate their technical and vocational skills across 64 competitions spanning six sectors.

Who won the AMR competition at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026?

Bowen Liu and Jinchen Fan of China won gold in Autonomous Mobile Robotics with a score of 833. Buyi Oh and Kim Jinwon of Korea earned silver with 794, and Arthur Barud and Gustavo Gabriel Dutra Alves of Brazil earned bronze with 771.

Who won the UAS competition at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026?

Chen Zeng of China won gold in Unmanned Aerial Systems with a score of 761. Chi Hou Chao of Macao, China, earned silver with 740, and Ruslan Nesterenko of Kazakhstan earned bronze with 719.

What skills do competitors demonstrate in Autonomous Mobile Robotics?

Autonomous Mobile Robotics combines mechanical engineering, electronics, programming, sensors, control systems, and robot navigation. Competitors apply this knowledge to build, configure, test, and troubleshoot mobile robotic systems.

What skills are involved in Unmanned Aerial Systems?

Unmanned Aerial Systems involves aircraft assembly and maintenance, flight control, electronics, communications, software, sensors, navigation, and troubleshooting. Safe operation and awareness of applicable requirements are also important in real-world UAS work.

Is UAS new to WorldSkills?

Yes. Shanghai 2026 marked the first time Unmanned Aerial Systems was included as a WorldSkills competition skill.

What AMR kits were used at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026?

The official WorldSkills Autonomous Mobile Robotics competition collections supplied the components for the competition robots. The BASE Collection supports Differential Drive, Differential Drive All-Terrain, Mecanum, and X-Drive configurations. The FULL Collection includes the BASE Collection components along with additional parts for the robot OMS assemblies.

What is the Studica Robotics WS500 Quadcopter Kit?

The Studica Robotics WS500 UAV Quadcopter Kit is a hands-on unmanned aerial systems platform combining a carbon-fiber frame, flight controller, and sensors. It supports exploration of flight control, navigation, sensor integration, and robotics software.

How can WorldSkills competitions support future technical careers?

WorldSkills competitions provide a platform for participants to demonstrate practical technical expertise. The skills showcased can be relevant to further education and career exploration in fields such as robotics, automation, engineering, electronics, and unmanned aerial systems, although competition participation does not guarantee a particular career outcome.

Celebrating Skills That Move Technology Forward

Congratulations to everyone who competed in the AMR and UAS competitions at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, with special recognition for the medalists and Medal for Excellence recipients.

Competing on a global stage takes dedication, preparation, and a willingness to put technical skills to the test. Every participant contributed to an event that celebrates skilled professionals, practical learning, and the next generation of talent in autonomous robotics and unmanned aerial systems. Studica Robotics is proud to support the WorldSkills community and the continued development of these skills. We're already looking forward to WorldSkills Aichi 2028 in Japan.

Related Articles

• AMR and UAS Take the Stage at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
• WorldSkills Shanghai 2026: AMR and UAS Countdown
• WorldSkills Jamaica Robotics Training for AMR and UAS
• WorldSkills Shanghai 2026: Building Skills for a Changing World

Quick Summary: FTC BIOBUZZ™ is the 2026–2027 FIRST^® Tech Challenge game presented by RTX. Alliances collect POLLEN and NECTAR, launch scoring elements into their HIVE to earn HIVE TIPS, place scoring elements in FLOWERS and GARDENS, and complete scoring and endgame objectives such as PARK. Teams will need to balance scoring opportunities with reliable robot design, driving, programming, and match strategy. The FTC Starter Bot, built with the Studica FTC Starter Kit 2026–2027, gives teams a foundation for building, testing, and developing their own BIOBUZZ strategy.

Getting Started with FTC BIOBUZZ

Kickoff gave FTC teams a lot to take in. Now that we know the game, it's time to start thinking about your robot. You've seen the BIOBUZZ™ field, learned the scoring system, watched the game animation, and started thinking about what your next robot might need to do. This is when the interesting part begins! The BIOBUZZ game offers several ways to score, but your team needs to decide which opportunities make sense for your robot, your drivers, and your overall strategy. A mechanism that looks impressive on paper is only useful if the robot can execute it consistently on the field. Now that you know the BIOBUZZ game, it's time to figure out how your team wants to play it. The goal isn't to build a robot that can do everything. It's to build a robot that can reliably do what your strategy requires.

Get Started on Your Strategy First

It can be tempting to start sketching a robot as soon as you see the game. Before you start building, though, take some time to ask a different question: What does our team actually want this robot to accomplish during a match? BIOBUZZ gives alliances opportunities to collect POLLEN and NECTAR, interact with the HIVE, place game elements in FLOWERS and GARDENS, and complete end-of-match objectives such as PARK and establishing FLOWER ownership. HIVE TIPS also affect when additional NECTAR can be introduced into the match, creating another strategic consideration for teams.

📌 Step 1: Visualize Your Robot

What do you want your robot to do? What are the biggest priorities for your team? Some examples you could choose for your robot: • Collect game elements quickly and consistently • Interact with the HIVE reliably • Place game elements accurately • Move efficiently between scoring locations • Complete several different tasks • Focus on a smaller number of actions and execute them extremely consistently

💡There isn't one required approach. The more useful question is which approach fits your team and can be tested and improved over the course of the season?

📌 Step 2: Envision Your Match

A good BIOBUZZ strategy isn't just about the highest-value scoring action. Think about what happens from the beginning of a match to the end:

AUTO: What can your robot accomplish without DRIVER control?

TELEOP: Which actions can your drivers perform quickly and repeatedly?

ENDGAME: What does your robot need to accomplish before the match ends?

💡 Thinking about the complete match can help your team identify where robot design, programming, and driver practice need to work together.

BIOBUZZ Scoring at a Glance

BIOBUZZ gives alliances several ways to earn MATCH points, so teams don't necessarily need to design a robot that can do everything. The current BIOBUZZ Competition Manual lists the following scoring values:

BIOBUZZ also includes Ranking Points tied to match achievements, including HIVE TIP and combined LEAVE/PARK performance. Because scoring can come from several different tasks, teams can use the point structure to help decide which robot capabilities are most important to their strategy.

💡Always check the BIOBUZZ Competition Manual and official Team Updates for the current rules and requirements.

Turn Your Strategy Into Robot Requirements

Once your team has an idea of how you want to play a match, the next step is figuring out what your robot needs to do to make that strategy possible. A strong BIOBUZZ strategy starts with understanding what your robot needs to do consistently during a match. Instead of designing each mechanism in isolation, think about how collection, transport, scoring, driving, and recovery all work together.

Use the questions below as a starting point when your team is evaluating a robot design:

Prototype the Hard Problems First

You don't need your final robot figured out right away. Prototype the functions that could have the biggest impact on your strategy first.

📌 Quick Prototype Check

💡Watch the failures. They can reveal more about your design than successful attempts. Test individual mechanisms first, then combine them and repeat the full cycle under conditions that are increasingly similar to a match.

💡BIOBUZZ scoring elements are not perfectly spherical and may vary in size, and some scoring-element placement may vary slightly during field setup. Designing mechanisms that can tolerate reasonable variation can help your robot perform more consistently.

💡Build for repeatability, control, and recovery, not just a mechanism that works once.

Where the FTC Starter Bot Fits In

You don't have to start your BIOBUZZ robot from a blank sheet of paper.

The FTC Starter Bot from Studica Robotics gives teams a foundation for building and experimenting, with resources including build instructions, CAD files, and a wiring diagram to help with the mechanical and electrical aspects of the robot.

The FTC Starter Kit also gives teams a broad selection of structural and mechanical components to experiment with as their design develops. Different wheels, shafts, gears, pulleys, belts, brackets, and other components can be configured in different ways, giving teams room to test different approaches to intake, movement, scoring, and mechanism design.

For BIOBUZZ, build it, drive it, test it, and then start exploring how you can make the robot your own. Maybe you want to try a different intake design, experiment with another scoring mechanism, or adapt the robot to take a different approach to the HIVE.

Because the components can be reconfigured and reused, your team can make changes as testing reveals what works and what doesn't. Instead of having to figure out the final robot immediately, you can move from an idea to a prototype, learn from it, and build the next version.

That's the point: the Starter Bot doesn't have to be the finished robot. It can be the beginning of the design process.

Build, Test, Modify, Repeat

Starting with a foundation can give your team a practical way to learn drivetrain, mechanical, wiring, and programming fundamentals while you begin exploring what you want your BIOBUZZ robot to do. FTC Starter Kit The Studica FTC Starter Kit 2026–2027 is designed as a building and prototyping system that teams can use to create their own robot designs for BIOBUZZ. The kit includes structural and motion components intended to support different configurations and approaches to robot design. That flexibility matters because your first design probably won't be your final design. As your team learns more about BIOBUZZ, you may discover that:

• A mechanism you expected to work isn't reliable enough
• A simpler design is easier for your drivers to control
• Your strategy requires a different intake or scoring approach
• Your robot needs to be more compact or maneuverable
• A prototype reveals a problem you hadn't considered
• A small mechanical change makes a major difference in performance

That's normal. FTC robot design is an iterative process. Build something, test it, learn from the results, and make the next version better.

Start Small, Learn, and Build From There

💡Kickoff can make it feel like your team needs to figure out the entire season right away. You don't. Start with the biggest technical challenge you can test now, learn from the results, and let those findings shape your next design decisions. You don't need a final robot on day one. As your robot develops, your strategy can develop with it.

BIOBUZZ Resources for FTC Teams

Keep these official and team resources handy throughout the season. The Competition Manual should be your primary reference for official game rules and requirements, while the other resources can help with game updates, robot development, and Starter Bot builds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FTC BIOBUZZ?

BIOBUZZ™ presented by RTX is the 2026–2027 FIRST Tech Challenge game. Alliances collect POLLEN and NECTAR and use them to interact with the HIVE, FLOWERS, and GARDENS while completing scoring and endgame objectives.

What should teams focus on after BIOBUZZ kickoff?

Start by identifying the scoring and game actions that fit your team's strategy. Then determine which robot mechanisms are needed to perform those actions reliably. Early prototyping and testing can help your team make those decisions before committing to a final design.

Is the FTC Starter Bot the BIOBUZZ competition robot?

Yes. The FTC Starter Bot is designed as a competition-ready foundation that teams can build, test, and use as they develop their own BIOBUZZ robot. Teams can compete with the Starter Bot as built or modify and expand the design to match their strategy, mechanisms, and driving preferences.

What is the FTC Starter Kit 2026–2027?

The Studica FTC Starter Kit 2026–2027 is a collection of robot-building components designed to give FTC teams a foundation for creating and prototyping their own BIOBUZZ robot designs.

Where can I find the official BIOBUZZ rules?

The official BIOBUZZ Competition Manual is the primary reference for the game rules. Teams should also monitor FIRST Team Updates for official revisions and season information.

How long are the AUTO and TELEOP periods in FTC BIOBUZZ?

The BIOBUZZ MATCH begins with a 30-second AUTO period, followed by an 8-second transition period and a 2-minute TELEOP period. During AUTO, robots operate without driver control. During TELEOP, drivers remotely operate their robots.

Start Building Your BIOBUZZ Robot

The 2026–2027 BIOBUZZ season is here, and now the real design work begins. You don't need to have your entire robot figured out on day one. Start with a strategy, identify the challenges that matter most, and build something you can test.

The Studica FTC Starter Bot Build Guide gives your team a practical starting point with build instructions, CAD files, and a wiring diagram. Start building, test what works, and use what you learn to shape your BIOBUZZ robot.

Build it. Drive it. Test it. Change it.

Then do it again.

As your team learns more about BIOBUZZ, your robot and strategy can evolve together.

Helpful Articles for FTC Teams

• FTC Robotics Season Prep: 9 Tips to Start BIOBUZZ Strong
• FTC Starter Bot Build Guide: Prep for the 2026-2027 FTC Season
• FTC Odometry: Getting Started with the Cypher MAX Encoder
• FTC Mecanum Drive Programming Tips
• How to Program Field-Centric Drive for an FTC Robot
• Understanding the Field-Centric Drive in FTC
• How Teams Prototype Reliable FTC Intake and Shooter Systems
• FTC Robot Power Tips for Reliable, Consistent Performance
• Understanding the Planetary Gear Motor for FTC Robots
• Make the Most of the FTC Offseason

Quick Summary: BIOBUZZ™ kickoff is almost here! With the 2026–2027 FIRST^® Tech Challenge season just days away, now is the time to make sure your team, workspace, skills, and equipment are ready. Use this FTC robotics season prep checklist to get organized, build team confidence, and hit the ground running when the new game is revealed.

Get Your FTC Team Ready for BIOBUZZ™

The countdown to the new FIRST^® Tech Challenge is on. On September 12, FTC teams will discover the new game challenge presented by RTX and begin turning ideas into their next competition robot.

You may not know what the game will require yet, but there is plenty your team can do before kickoff. Use these nine preseason tips to get organized, strengthen your team's skills, and prepare to move quickly once BIOBUZZ™ is revealed.

Tip 1: Take a Quick Look Back at Last Season

Before jumping into a new season, take a few minutes to reflect on your DECODE™ experience. A quick review can help your team carry forward what worked and avoid repeating past challenges.

📌 FTC Preseason Check-in:

☐ Celebrate: What did our team do particularly well?
☐ Identify challenges: What slowed us down or caused problems?
☐ Review decisions: Which design or programming choices would we change?
☐ Build skills: What skills should we strengthen this season?
☐ Set goals: What do we want to accomplish during BIOBUZZ™?

You don't need a lengthy meeting. Even a quick team conversation can help everyone start the new season with a clear focus.

Tip 2: Get Your Team on the Same Page

With kickoff approaching, make sure everyone knows how your team will work together once the game is revealed.

Welcome new members, review team expectations, and reinforce the FIRST Core Values, including Gracious Professionalism^® and Coopertition^®.

This is also a good time to clarify team roles and responsibilities. Who will focus on mechanical design? Who will program? Who will document the build? Who will handle outreach and communications? Your team may adjust those roles once you understand BIOBUZZ™ , but having a starting point will help everyone jump into action.

Tip 3: Identify Strengths & Skill Gaps

You don't need to learn every robotics skill before kickoff. Instead, take a quick look at what your team already knows and where you may need additional support.

📌FTC Team Skills Checklist

✓ Design and Engineering: CAD, mechanical design, fabrication, and prototyping ✓ Programming: Java, Blocks, sensors, control logic, and autonomous routines ✓ Electronics: Wiring, power distribution, and troubleshooting ✓ Creative Skills: Presentations, graphic design, photography, video, and social media ✓ Soft Skills: Communication, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving

Knowing your strengths and gaps now will make it easier to assign responsibilities once the BIOBUZZ™ challenge is revealed.

💡Bonus Tip:

If your team plans to submit an Engineering Portfolio, start documenting from day one. Keep track of design ideas, testing, decisions, successes, and failures throughout the season rather than trying to recreate everything later.

Tip 4: Start Practicing

You may not know what BIOBUZZ™ will ask your robot to do yet, but you can practice building and programming. Use this time to experiment with common robot systems such as drivetrains, arms, lifts, linear mechanisms, intakes, servos, sensors, and autonomous routines. The goal isn't to build your robot before kickoff. It's to get your team comfortable designing, building, testing, and troubleshooting so you're ready to prototype quickly when the game is revealed.

Tip 5: Organize Your Workspace and Inventory

Once kickoff arrives, you don't want to spend valuable build time looking for parts or discovering that something important is missing.

Give your workspace a quick preseason reset and make sure your team knows where everything belongs.

📌 Sample Inventory Checklist:

☐ Motors and servos ☐ Actuators ☐ Fasteners and hardware ☐ Structural components ☐ Slide rails ☐ Encoders and sensors ☐ Batteries ☐ Power components ☐ Tools and fabrication equipment Check batteries, chargers, cables, and other frequently used equipment while you're at it. A little organization now can save significant time later.

Tip 6: Know Your Hardware

Now isn't necessarily the time to completely rethink your robot hardware strategy. Instead, make sure your team understands the components you already have and knows which parts could be useful once the game is revealed.

📌 Review Your Available Hardware

• Drivetrain components for speed and maneuverability
• Smart servos for controlled movement
• Linear actuators for lifts and extensions
• Slide rails for linear mechanisms
• Power components for reliable energy distribution
• Encoders and odometry components for autonomous navigation

If there are components your team has never used before, now is a good time to familiarize yourselves with how they work.

That way, when a BIOBUZZ™ mechanism calls for a particular type of motion or control, your team can spend less time learning the hardware and more time solving the engineering challenge.

Tip 7: Learn from the FTC Community

You don't have to start from scratch. One of the best resources available to FTC teams is the larger robotics community. Review technical documentation  and check out the FTC Community Forum. You can also explore related videos on YouTube, the FTC subreddit, watch videos on the FUN Robotics Network, and browse Chief Delphi.

Use this final preseason stretch to watch robot reveals, review match footage, and see how other teams have approached engineering challenges.

📌 FTC Team Learning Activities

✓ Watch FTC robot reveal and match videos ✓  Review past game strategies ✓  Explore technical documentation ✓  Research mechanisms you're interested in ✓  Discuss ideas and approaches with other teams Use what you see as inspiration and a learning opportunity. The goal is to understand different engineering approaches and spark ideas your team can develop into its own solutions.

Tip 8: Make a Season Game Plan

The BIOBUZZ™ challenge may be unknown right now, but your team's schedule doesn't have to be. Before kickoff, make sure you have a plan for managing the weeks ahead.

📌 Add Key Dates to Your FTC Calendar

☐ Build and design milestones ☐ Testing and iteration time ☐ Autonomous development ☐ Driver practice ☐ Scrimmages and competitions ☐ Engineering Portfolio updates ☐ Judging preparation ☐ Outreach and team activities

Once the game is revealed, you can add game-specific goals and deadlines. Having a basic framework already in place will help your team stay focused when the build season gets busy.

Tip 9: Check Your Build-Ready Supplies

Having the right parts on hand helps your team prototype quickly and iterate once the BIOBUZZ™ challenge is revealed. Take one final look at your build inventory and identify any components you'll want available for early prototypes.

Need to fill any gaps? These Studica Robotics components can help teams prepare for the season, from power and motion control to linear mechanisms and autonomous performance.

Power Systems

• Servo Power Block and FTC Power Block
  These compact power solutions help provide reliable power distribution for FTC robot systems, including dedicated power for servos.

Servo Power Block with XT30 Male to JST-VH Cable Bundle - Part 75005

Studica Robotics FTC Power Block - Part 70407

• Battery and Power Switch
  A competition-ready power system starts with an FTC-approved 12V NiMH battery and an approved main power switch. Studica's 12V 3000mAh NiMH battery and On/Off Power Switch Kit are options for teams building or refreshing their power system.

Studica 12V 3000mAh NiMH Battery Pack PP45 ARES – Part 70025

Studica On/Off Power Switch - Part 70182

XT30 Female to PP45 Cable - Part 70195

Motion Control Components

• Multi-Mode Smart Servos
  Multi-mode smart servos provide flexible motion options for mechanisms such as arms, intakes, and other moving assemblies.
• Linear Servo Actuators
  Linear servo actuators provide controlled push-and-pull movement for lifts, arms, and other mechanisms.
• Slide Rails
  Aluminum slide rails provide a strong, lightweight solution for linear mechanisms, including lifts and extending arms.

Multi-Mode Smart Servo Motor - Part 75002

Studica Linear Servo RC Actuator - Part 75014

Slide Rails from Studica Robotics

Odometry and Autonomous Performance

• Cypher Max Encoder with 38mm Omni Wheel
  For teams working to improve autonomous navigation, odometry components can provide more precise robot tracking and positioning. The Cypher MAX Encoder paired with a 38mm Omni Wheel offers a compact option for teams exploring advanced autonomous performance.

Cypher MAX Through Bore Encoder - Part 75051

38mm Omni Wheel - Part 76259

Frequently Asked Questions

What should an FTC team do before kickoff?

Before FTC kickoff, focus on readiness rather than predicting the game. Organize your workspace, check your inventory, review team roles, test hardware, and confirm your schedule.

Should we build a robot before the BIOBUZZ™ game is revealed?

You don’t need a complete robot. Use preseason time to practice with drivetrains, mechanisms, sensors, servos, and programming. Small prototypes can help build skills you’ll use after the game is revealed.

What FTC hardware should we have ready for kickoff?

Make sure you have the basics for prototyping and building, including motors, servos, structural components, fasteners, power components, batteries, sensors, and tools. Know what you have and what you may need.

How can FTC teams prepare before the game is revealed?

Focus on transferable skills like mechanical design, programming, autonomous routines, prototyping, troubleshooting, and teamwork.

Where can FTC teams find inspiration?

Look to robot reveal videos, match footage, technical documentation, FIRST resources, robotics forums, and other FTC teams. See how others solve problems and use those ideas to inspire your own designs.

How should we prepare new FTC team members?

Get new members hands-on, introduce them to your tools and processes, and pair them with experienced students when possible. Clear responsibilities and mentorship can help them become confident contributors.

Should we start working on our Engineering Portfolio now?

Yes! Document your season from the start, including design ideas, prototypes, testing, challenges, improvements, outreach, and team accomplishments.

When should FTC teams start planning their season? Ideally, before kickoff. With BIOBUZZ™ just days away, now is the time to organize your workspace, review your team’s skills, confirm your schedule, and get your hardware ready.

Start BIOBUZZ™ Strong

Kickoff is almost here, and your team doesn't have to wait for the game reveal to start preparing. A few simple steps now, like organizing your workspace, checking your equipment, reviewing your team's strengths, and getting everyone on the same page, can give your team a stronger starting point when the BIOBUZZ™ challenge is revealed.

Studica Robotics offers FTC-legal robot components and building solutions to help teams prototype, build, test, and iterate throughout the season. Get ready for the 2026–2027 BIOBUZZ™ season and make the most of every build day ahead. Browse FTC robot parts and kits and get ready to build!

Quick Summary: The countdown to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is on! Taking place September 22–27, 2026, the 48th WorldSkills Competition will bring together approximately 1,400 Competitors from 73 countries and regions to compete across 64 skill competitions. Among them are Autonomous Mobile Robotics and Unmanned Aerial Systems, two rapidly evolving fields that bring together engineering, electronics, software, automation, and problem-solving. As a WorldSkills Global Partner and the exclusive supplier for the WorldSkills Autonomous Mobile Robotics Competition, Studica Robotics is proud to support the global skills community and follow these two exciting competitions as Competitors prepare to take the stage in Shanghai.

WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Is Almost Here

Every two years, the WorldSkills Competition brings together the world's top young talent in technical and vocational skills for a global celebration of skills excellence. Competitors have earned their places at WorldSkills through national and regional selection competitions, representing years of dedication, preparation, and technical achievement.

WorldSkills Skill Sectors

The 64 skill competitions are organized across six skill sectors.

The competition gives Competitors an international stage to demonstrate their technical expertise while highlighting the importance of skilled careers and technical and vocational education and training around the world. For Studica, two competitions are particularly exciting: Autonomous Mobile Robotics and Unmanned Aerial Systems.

Two Skills to Watch in Shanghai

From robots navigating the ground to unmanned systems taking to the air, Autonomous Mobile Robotics and Unmanned Aerial Systems demonstrate how technical skills are being applied to increasingly automated and connected systems.

Both bring together engineering, electronics, software, and problem-solving, while applying those skills in very different environments.

Autonomous Mobile Robotics at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

Autonomous Mobile Robotics brings together mechanical engineering, electronics, programming, sensors, and control systems as Competitors design, build, program, and test mobile robots to solve complex problems.

Part of the Manufacturing and Engineering Technology sector, the skill reflects the growing role of robotics across industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, aerospace, mining, and medicine. Competitors need to combine multiple areas of technical expertise to create robotic systems that are reliable, precise, and effective.

AMR Materials for Shanghai 2026

For the Autonomous Mobile Robotics competition, the Shanghai 2026 collections provide the components Competitors need to build and configure their robots. The BASE Collection provides the components needed to build four base robot configurations: Differential Drive, Differential Drive All-Terrain, Mecanum, and X-Drive.

The WorldSkills Autonomous Mobile Robotics Shanghai 2026 FULL Collection includes components for those four robots, plus additional parts for the robot OMS assemblies. The collection includes the VMX Robotics Controller, electronics, motors, servos, structural components, gears, sprockets, pulleys, belts, wheels, bearings, axles, brackets, fasteners, and other robotics hardware. In total, the collection offers more than 2,100 components.

Together, these materials give Competitors the flexibility to build, test, and adapt their robots as they tackle the challenges of the Shanghai 2026 competition. Competitors can also create 3D-printed parts when additional components are needed.

Unmanned Aerial Systems Makes Its WorldSkills Debut

For the first time, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) will make its WorldSkills debut at Shanghai 2026. Commonly known as drones, UAS technology has moved far beyond hobby aircraft, with applications ranging from aerial surveying and infrastructure inspection to precision agriculture, firefighting, conservation, and public safety.

At WorldSkills Shanghai, Competitors will bring together skills in aerodynamics, electronics, flight control, software, navigation, sensors, and communications as they work with unmanned aircraft and the technologies that make them fly, sense, and respond to their surroundings.

The Technology Behind the UAS Skill

Studica Robotics supports UAS education and skills development with the Studica WS500 UAV Quadcopter Kit, an open platform designed for hands-on learning with modern unmanned aerial systems.

The WS500 combines a carbon-fiber frame and motors with a CubePilot flight controller and Raspberry Pi 4B companion computer. Its sensor package includes an optical flow and distance sensor with a 6-axis IMU, a ToF 3D depth camera, and T-Mini Plus LiDAR. Together, these components provide a hands-on platform for exploring flight control, navigation, obstacle avoidance, sensor fusion, and autonomous systems, while ROS 2 support with MAVROS adds opportunities to work with robotics software and autonomy.

The kit also includes the practical hardware needed to build and maintain the aircraft, including the power distribution system, propellers, landing gear, wiring, protective covers, and an installation and repair toolkit.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is WorldSkills Shanghai 2026?

The 48th WorldSkills Competition will take place from September 22–27, 2026, in Shanghai, China.

Where will WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 be held?

WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 will be held in Shanghai, China.

How many skills are represented at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026?

WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 will feature 64 skill competitions across six skill sectors.

What is Autonomous Mobile Robotics?

Autonomous Mobile Robotics is a WorldSkills competition focused on designing, building, programming, testing, and maintaining mobile robots that can solve problems in real-world environments.

What sector is Autonomous Mobile Robotics part of?

Autonomous Mobile Robotics is part of the Manufacturing and Engineering Technology sector at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

What is Unmanned Aerial Systems?

Unmanned Aerial Systems, or UAS, refers to unmanned aircraft and the technologies used to operate them, commonly known as drones. The field involves technologies including aerodynamics, flight control systems, communications, robotics, software, sensors, navigation, and regulatory compliance.

Is Unmanned Aerial Systems new to WorldSkills?

Yes. Unmanned Aerial Systems is making its WorldSkills debut at Shanghai 2026.

What is Studica Robotics' role in WorldSkills?

Studica Robotics is a Global Partner of WorldSkills and the exclusive supplier for the WorldSkills Autonomous Mobile Robotics Competition. Studica also supports skills development in emerging technology fields including robotics and unmanned aerial systems.

The Final Countdown to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

The countdown to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is almost over. In just a few weeks, Competitors from around the world will put their skills, preparation, and determination to the test on the global stage. For Autonomous Mobile Robotics Competitors, Shanghai is the culmination of years of preparation. For Unmanned Aerial Systems Competitors, Shanghai marks the beginning of a new chapter as the skill makes its WorldSkills debut. Studica Robotics offers WorldSkills Competition Kits for AMR and UAS and proudly supports both competitions. We are excited to be part of the journey to Shanghai.

The countdown is on. We’ll see you in Shanghai!

Related Articles:

• WorldSkills Jamaica Robotics Training for AMR and UAS
• WorldSkills Shanghai 2026: Building Skills for a Changing World

Quick Summary: The Cypher MAX is an external encoder that can help FTC teams track robot movement for odometry and localization. Learn how external encoders and dead wheels work, why they can improve autonomous movement, and the basics of quadrature and absolute encoders.

FTC Odometry: Know Where Your Robot Is

In autonomous, knowing where your robot should be isn't enough. You need to know where it actually is. FTC odometry uses sensor data to estimate your robot's position and movement on the field, helping teams create autonomous routines that are more precise and repeatable.

Many FTC teams use the encoders built into their drive motors to estimate movement. But when wheels slip, traction changes, or a mecanum drivetrain strafes across the field, motor rotation doesn't always tell the whole story. An external encoder and tracking wheel can provide another way to measure how the robot is actually moving.

The Cypher MAX Through Bore Encoder is an external through-bore encoder that can be used with a dead wheel for odometry and robot localization, as well as applications such as mechanism position tracking and RPM measurement. Let's look at how it works and why external encoder data can be useful for FTC teams.

What Is an Encoder?

An encoder is a sensor that measures rotational movement. As a shaft or wheel rotates, the encoder converts that movement into signals that a robot controller can use to determine position, speed, distance, or direction. This information is especially valuable for autonomous routines that require precise and repeatable movement.

How Is the Cypher MAX Different from a Typical Motor Encoder?

A typical motor encoder measures the rotation of the motor shaft. The Cypher MAX is an external through-bore encoder, which means it can be mounted independently from the drive motor.

For example, an FTC team can mount the Cypher MAX to a dedicated tracking wheel, commonly called a dead wheel, to measure the actual movement of the robot rather than relying only on drivetrain motor rotation. This gives teams another source of encoder data for odometry and robot localization.

Why Use an External Encoder for FTC Odometry?

Using motor encoders to estimate drivetrain movement is a straightforward approach to localization, and it can work well. However, the rotation of a drivetrain wheel does not always perfectly represent the robot's actual movement.

This is particularly relevant for mecanum-drive robots. When a robot accelerates, decelerates, strafes, or rotates, changes in traction can cause drivetrain wheels to slip or lose contact with the field. The motor encoder continues to measure the rotation of the motor shaft, even when the robot's actual movement differs from the calculated movement.

That difference can become more noticeable when an autonomous routine needs to make precise strafing movements, navigate to multiple locations, align with field elements, or position the robot consistently for scoring. An external encoder mounted to a dedicated tracking wheel provides another way to collect movement data that is less dependent on drivetrain motor rotation.

What Is a Dead Wheel?

A dead wheel, also called a tracking wheel, is a small unpowered wheel dedicated to measuring robot movement. The wheel and encoder are often mounted together as part of an odometry pod.

Unlike a drivetrain wheel, a dead wheel does not drive the robot. Instead, it rolls along the field as the robot moves. An encoder attached to the wheel measures its rotation, providing data that can be used to estimate the robot's movement and position.

Many odometry systems use multiple tracking wheels positioned to measure movement in different directions. By combining these encoder measurements with the known positions of the tracking wheels on the robot, software can estimate forward movement, lateral movement, and changes in heading.

Dead wheels are not completely immune to error. They can still slip or lose contact with the field if the odometry pod is poorly designed.

Dead Wheel Reliability Checklist

A dead wheel can provide useful odometry data, but the mechanical setup matters. Before relying on a tracking wheel for autonomous movement, check that your odometry system is set up to provide consistent readings.

Use this checklist when designing or troubleshooting your dead wheel setup:

• Maintain consistent contact with the field. The tracking wheel should stay in contact with the field as the robot moves without excessive bouncing or losing contact.
• Minimize mechanical flex. Movement in the odometry pod or mounting structure can introduce inaccuracies into your encoder readings.
• Properly support the encoder. Make sure the encoder and shaft are securely mounted to prevent unnecessary movement or misalignment.
• Keep the tracking wheel aligned. Proper alignment helps ensure the wheel is measuring movement in the intended direction.
• Reduce unnecessary vibration. Excessive vibration or movement in the mechanism can affect the consistency of your measurements. 

Remember: Dead wheels are not completely immune to error. Wheel slip, inconsistent field contact, mechanical flex, and setup issues can still affect localization accuracy.

Benefits of External Encoders for FTC Teams

Using an external encoder with a dead wheel gives FTC teams another source of movement data that is less dependent on drivetrain motor rotation. This can help reduce the effects of drivetrain wheel slip on localization and support more precise and repeatable autonomous movements.

External encoders also give students an opportunity to explore how encoder data is used for odometry and robot localization, while creating a foundation for more advanced autonomous programming.

What Is the Difference Between a Quadrature Encoder and an Absolute Encoder?

Encoders can measure rotation in different ways. Two common types are quadrature encoders and absolute encoders, and the difference comes down to how they report position.

A quadrature encoder tracks changes in position as a shaft rotates. It outputs signals through its A and B channels, and the robot can interpret those signals to determine how far and in which direction the shaft has moved. The Cypher MAX also includes an index, or I, channel that provides a reference point once per revolution.

An absolute encoder works differently. It provides a position value that corresponds to the shaft's current position, rather than requiring the robot to track changes from a starting point. The position is represented by a unique output value, allowing the robot to determine the shaft's position without calculating movement from a starting point.

Why Does This Matter for FTC Teams?

For odometry, teams are primarily interested in measuring how much movement has occurred, which is where quadrature encoder data is useful. The robot can count encoder changes and combine that information with factors such as wheel circumference, gear ratios, and tracking wheel placement to estimate movement across the field.

Absolute position data can be useful in other situations, particularly when a robot needs to know the current position of a rotating mechanism or shaft.

The Cypher MAX provides A, B, and I quadrature outputs as well as an absolute PWM output, giving teams flexibility for odometry, mechanism position tracking, and other robotics applications.

Applications for the Cypher MAX Encoder

Odometry and robot localization are just some of the potential applications for an external encoder.

The Cypher MAX can also be used for:

• Mechanism position tracking
• Arms and lifts
• Rotating or pivoting mechanisms
• RPM measurement
• General shaft position tracking

This makes an external encoder a useful tool not only for autonomous navigation but also for teaching and experimenting with different robotics applications.

Getting Started with Hardware and Software Setup

Once you understand how the encoder works, the next step is installing it and configuring your robot to read its data.

Setup at a Glance

Hardware Installation

When mounting an encoder for odometry, focus on keeping the encoder properly supported, aligned, and protected from unnecessary movement or flex.

For an odometry pod, the tracking wheel should maintain consistent contact with the field while still rotating freely. A stable mechanical setup helps produce more consistent encoder readings and, ultimately, more reliable position tracking.

Example Odometry Pod

Above is an example of a simple odometry pod system. The encoder is angled so that the omni-wheel can maintain contact with the ground, while also simultaneously being housed safely. The hole pattern on the U-Channel allows for adjusting the angle of the encoder tracking wheel accordingly to ensure contact with the ground.

Odometry Example Build

This is one example of how an odometry pod can be integrated into a mecanum drivebase. The encoders are mounted on the inside of the robot's frame to protect the encoders as well as to accurate track the robot's movement about it's center of mass. Teams can modify the design to fit their own robot while keeping the same basic design principles in mind.

Software Setup

Once the hardware is installed, the general configuration process is:

1. Connect the encoder to compatible FTC control hardware.
2. Open the robot's hardware configuration.
3. Verify that the connected hardware is recognized.
4. Identify the ports being used for the external encoders.
5. Give the encoders appropriate names, such as encoderX and encoderY.
6. Read the encoder values in your robot code.
7. Convert encoder counts into useful movement or position data.

The exact setup will depend on the FTC hardware and software configuration being used.

Software Setup Instructions

In the configuration file, declare an unspecified motor in the port being used, and give it a name such as "cypherMax". External quadrature encoders are accessed through the corresponding motor object.

Declaring Encoder in Configuration File Cypher MAX being declared in the configuration file. Here is the example code to set up the encoder. 

Setting up Encoder: At the beginning of the OpMode, reset the encoder and establish the starting encoder position as 0. Create the variables.

Creating Variables Create the following variables:

• encoderCounts
• revolutions
• distanceMM
• distancesInches

Then establish constraints.

Establish Constants Establish constants for the encoder and wheel specifications and calculate the tracking wheel's circumference.

Read the encoder.

Reading the Encoder When the OpMode begins, it will continuously read the encoders current position, then calculate the amount of revolutions. Then calculate distance.

Calculating Distance Traveled After calculating how many revolutions the tracking wheel performs, the OpMode uses the that calculation to determine how far the robot has traveled from it's starting position in millimeters and inches. Then add telemetry.

Adding Telemetry Data All the data calculated then gets displayed on the driver hub.

Here is the complete code.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FTC odometry?

FTC odometry is the process of using sensor data, such as encoder measurements, to estimate a robot's position and movement on the field.

What is a dead wheel in FTC robotics?

A dead wheel is an unpowered wheel dedicated to measuring robot movement. As the robot moves, the wheel rotates and an encoder measures that rotation.

Why use an external encoder instead of a motor encoder?

Motor encoders measure motor rotation, which may not always perfectly represent the robot's actual movement if the drivetrain wheels slip. An external encoder connected to a tracking wheel provides another source of movement data.

What is the difference between a quadrature and absolute encoder?

A quadrature encoder measures changes in position by generating pulses as the shaft rotates. An absolute encoder provides information about the shaft's current position.

How many counts per revolution does the Cypher MAX have?

The Cypher MAX provides 2048 counts per revolution in quadrature mode.

Can the Cypher MAX be used for applications besides odometry?

Yes. External encoders can also be used for mechanism position tracking, arms, lifts, rotating mechanisms, and RPM measurement.

Do dead wheels eliminate all localization errors?

No. Dead wheels can still experience errors from slip, inconsistent contact with the field, mechanical flex, or incorrect software configuration.

What is the difference between a dead wheel and a motor encoder?

A motor encoder measures the rotation of a motor, while a dead wheel uses an unpowered tracking wheel and encoder to measure the robot's movement independently of the drivetrain.

Take Your Odometry Further

Understanding how a robot moves is an important part of building reliable autonomous routines. External encoders and dead wheels give FTC teams another way to collect movement data and explore robot localization beyond the encoders built into their drive motors.

The Cypher MAX provides a versatile external encoder option for FTC odometry, mechanism tracking, and other robotics applications. Whether your team is just learning about robot localization or working toward more precise autonomous routines, understanding encoder data is a valuable step in developing better-performing robots. Related Articles:

• Essential Odometry Tips for Your FTC Robot
• How is Odometry Used in FTC Robotics Competitions?

Quick Summary: The FTC offseason gives teams valuable time to build skills, train new members, and improve their approach before the pressure of competition begins. Through programming, CAD, robot design, driver training, and team organization projects, teams can develop the experience and processes needed to design, build, program, and compete more effectively when the new season begins.

Success during the offseason isn't about building the perfect competition robot before kickoff. It's about creating a stronger foundation through learning, experimentation, and continuous improvement.

Why FTC Offseason Preparation Matters

While the competition season moves quickly, the offseason gives teams valuable time to learn, experiment, and improve without the deadlines of an upcoming tournament. Teams can use this time to strengthen technical skills, train new members, test new ideas, and create better processes for the upcoming season. Some of the biggest benefits of FTC offseason preparation include:

FTC Offseason Planning Roadmap

A structured approach helps teams stay focused and make the most of their offseason time.

The goal is not simply to stay busy during the offseason. Each project should help team members develop skills that will translate into stronger performance during competition.

Tip #1: Evaluate Your Previous Season

Before starting new projects, teams should take time to reflect on the previous competition season. Understanding what worked well and what needs improvement helps teams choose meaningful offseason goals. Here are some questions to consider:

📌 Evaluating Your Previous Season Checklist

Tip #2: Boost Programming Skills

Programming skills are one of the most valuable areas teams can develop before the season begins. Many programming concepts carry over from year to year, allowing students to build knowledge that can be applied to future robots.

🟠 Beginner Programming Projects

Beginner projects should focus on building a strong foundation with the FTC SDK.

🟡 Intermediate Programming Projects

Intermediate projects help teams improve driver control, automation, and overall robot performance.

🟢 Advanced Programming Projects

Advanced projects introduce concepts commonly used by highly competitive FTC teams.

Tip #3: Improve CAD Skills

CAD skills allow teams to design, test, and improve robot concepts before physically building them. Strong CAD practices can reduce mistakes, improve collaboration, and speed up robot development.

🟠 Beginner CAD Projects

These beginner CAD projects are designed to learn the software and FTC components.

🟡 Intermediate CAD Projects

These intermediate CAD projects give practice with designing and improving real mechanisms.

🟢 Advanced CAD Projects

These advanced CAD projects give your team practice engineering complete robot concepts and optimizing performance.

FTC Offseason Tip #4: Use an FTC Starter Bot to Build Skills

A Starter Bot gives teams a proven robot platform they can use to practice, experiment, and improve throughout the offseason. Instead of waiting for kickoff to begin learning, teams can build programming, CAD, mechanical, and driver skills using a robot that's ready to modify and test. 👉 Get ready with the FTC Starter Bot Build Guide from Studica Robotics.

📌 Starter Bot Challenge Ideas

Studica Robotics offers an FTC Starter Bot and FTC-compatible robot building solutions that help teams begin learning, experimenting, and building long before the next competition season starts.

Tip #5: Mechanical Design Challenges

The offseason is the perfect time to experiment with mechanical concepts, compare design options, and gain hands-on engineering experience without the pressure of competition deadlines.

📌 Mechanical Design Challenge Ideas

Tip #6: Strengthen Driver Performance

Consistent driver practice helps teams build confidence, improve match performance, and identify opportunities to refine both the robot and its controls before the competition season begins.

📌 Driver Practice Ideas

Tip #7: Improve Team Organization

The offseason is an ideal time to improve team organization and establish processes that help projects run more efficiently throughout the competition season.

📌 Team Organization Ideas

Build Better Robots with Studica Robotics

Having reliable building components allows teams to spend more time designing, testing, and improving their robots. Studica Robotics provides FTC teams with affordable, competition-ready robot parts, building systems, and resources to support offseason development. The Studica Robotics building platform includes FTC-compatible structural components, motion components, electronics, hardware, and robot kits designed for classroom learning, team training, and competition use. Teams can also explore different robot designs with durable aluminum structural components available in multiple colors, including blue, green, gold, red, silver, and black. The 6061-T6 aluminum structure system provides a strong, safe, and versatile foundation for building custom robots. FTC teams can  explore FTC robot parts and take advantage of resources including the FTC Starter Bot Resource Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should FTC teams do during the offseason?

FTC teams should use the offseason to develop technical skills, train new members, test robot concepts, practice driving, improve documentation, and prepare team processes before the next competition season.

Should FTC teams build a competition robot during the offseason?

The goal of offseason preparation is not necessarily to build a competition-ready robot. Instead, teams should focus on learning, experimenting, and developing skills that will help them during the official season.

What programming skills should FTC teams learn?

Teams can practice programming fundamentals such as TeleOp control, sensors, encoders, autonomous routines, odometry, and PID control.

How can new FTC members prepare before the season?

New members can learn robot assembly, programming basics, CAD, driving skills, and team processes through offseason projects and Starter Bot activities.

Prepare Your FTC Team for Success Before Kickoff

The offseason provides FTC teams with a valuable opportunity to learn, experiment, and improve. Teams that invest time in skill development, testing, documentation, and organization can enter the next season with stronger technical abilities and a clearer strategy. Whether your team is training new members, exploring advanced programming concepts, improving CAD skills, or testing new robot designs, offseason preparation helps create a stronger foundation for competition success. With the right projects and resources, teams can spend less time learning the basics during the season and more time developing innovative solutions.

Quick Summary: International competitors gathered in Jamaica for a five-day robotics training camp designed to prepare them for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. In partnership with Studica Robotics, the program focused on Autonomous Mobile Robotics (AMR) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), combining hands-on robot and drone training with real-world competition preparation. Participants progressed from system setup and assembly to programming, testing, and evaluation. The goal was to build both technical and teamwork skills needed for global competition success.

Robotics Training for WorldSkills Competition

As global demand for automation and intelligent systems continues to grow, WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is placing a strong emphasis on advanced robotics training in Autonomous Mobile Robotics (AMR) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), where competitors must apply engineering principles in real time under international competition standards.

This type of robotics training goes beyond technical instruction; it mirrors the environments shaping modern industry, from smart manufacturing and autonomous logistics to precision agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and emergency response systems. Participants gain hands-on experience with technologies that are actively transforming how work is designed and delivered worldwide.

By working through real-world challenges in both AMR and UAS, competitors strengthen not only their technical capabilities but also their problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration skills essential for success at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 and beyond.

Inside the Robotics Training Experience

The five-day training camp followed a progressive learning model that moved competitors from foundational system setup to competition-level performance in both Autonomous Mobile Robotics (AMR) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Each phase built upon the previous one, combining technical instruction, hands-on application, and performance evaluation.

By the end of the program, participants had progressed from assembling and configuring systems to executing autonomous navigation tasks, flying drones under performance constraints, and demonstrating the teamwork and technical proficiency required for WorldSkills competition.

Voices from the Camp

"Through international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and hands-on learning, participants are gaining valuable exposure to industry-leading practices in autonomous mobile robotics." -Walace Felipe de Almeida Oliveira, WorldSkills Brazil

“Robotics is not an activity that only men can partake in. Women can, as well, and we’re living proof of this…”
- St. Hilda’s Diocesan High School Team Captain, Toria-Lee Martin

“If you want to beat the best, you have to see how the best train.”
- Derek Murphy, General Manager, Studica Robotics

Why Train AMR?

Autonomous Mobile Robotics (AMR) is one of the fastest-growing areas in technical education and modern industry. It focuses on designing and building robots that can move and operate independently using sensors, control systems, and intelligent programming. Through AMR training, participants develop a wide range of integrated engineering skills, including mechanical and electronic system design, sensor integration, and automation. They also strengthen their ability to program autonomous systems, enabling robots to navigate, map environments, and respond to real-world conditions. AMR training also develops problem-solving and teamwork skills, reflecting the collaborative nature of real-world engineering environments.

Why is UAS Important?

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are rapidly expanding across industries and are becoming essential in areas such as infrastructure inspection, agriculture, logistics, disaster response, and environmental monitoring.

Training in UAS helps participants understand both the mechanical and digital systems behind drone technology. This includes building and configuring aerial systems, programming flight behavior, and developing the ability to troubleshoot and diagnose technical issues. As with AMR, this training strengthens critical thinking, engineering methodologies, and technical collaboration. These skills are increasingly in demand across aerospace, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure inspection, and emerging drone technology sectors.

Studica Robotics and Global Skills Development

With over 40 years of experience supporting technical education, Studica Robotics provides standardized training kits, curriculum resources, and technical support for WorldSkills member countries. For AMR competitions, teams use the official WorldSkills Autonomous Mobile Robotics Collection. For UAS training, participants utilize the WS500 Quadcopter Kit to build, program, and operate drone systems while also developing troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.

This structured ecosystem helps ensure consistent training quality while encouraging collaboration and peer learning across countries. Through its partnership with WorldSkills, Studica Robotics helps member countries develop robotics and UAS skills by providing standardized equipment, training resources, and competition support.

What This Robotics Training Experience Delivers

Beyond technical preparation, the training camp is designed to build long-term capabilities that extend well beyond the competition itself. It strengthens real-world engineering and robotics skills by providing competitors with hands-on experience with systems they will encounter in advanced technical environments. At the same time, it improves collaboration within international teams, where participants must communicate, adapt, and work effectively across different cultures and approaches.

The experience also helps develop the ability to solve complex problems under the pressures of a competition environment, where timing, accuracy, and decision-making all matter. Most importantly, it supports clear pathways into future technical careers by exposing participants to industry-relevant tools, processes, and expectations.

This training camp provided competitors with an opportunity to develop their skills in a collaborative international environment while preparing for the upcoming challenges of WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Autonomous Mobile Robotics (AMR)?
AMR involves designing, building, and programming robots that operate independently using sensors, control systems, and automation logic.

What are Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)?
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) focus on drone technology, including assembly, programming, flight control, maintenance, and system diagnostics.

Who is this WorldSkills Jamaica robotics training for?
It is designed for students and competitors preparing for international robotics competitions and technical skills development programs.

How does Studica Robotics support WorldSkills?
Studica Robotics provides standardized kits, training materials, and technical expertise to support global robotics education and competition readiness.

What is the goal of the WorldSkills Jamaica robotics training camp?
To prepare competitors for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 through hands-on robotics and drone training under real competition conditions.

Conclusion

The WorldSkills Jamaica & Studica Robotics Invitational Training Camp demonstrated how immersive, hands-on learning can accelerate technical skill development and global competition readiness.

Over five days, competitors moved from foundational system understanding to full competition performance in Autonomous Mobile Robotics and Unmanned Aerial Systems. Beyond robotics, the camp strengthened collaboration, communication, and confidence. These skills are essential for success in both international competition and future technical careers.

As robotics, automation, and drone technologies continue reshaping global industries, programs like this are not just training events; they are launchpads for the next generation of skilled robotics professionals.

Quick Summary: Field-centric drive is a control system commonly used in FTC mecanum drivetrains that keeps robot movement aligned to the field instead of the robot’s orientation. Unlike robot-centric drive, drivers do not need to mentally adjust controls when the robot rotates. This article explains what field-centric drive is, how it works, the math behind it, and common considerations teams should understand before implementing it.

What Is Field-Centric Drive?

In traditional robot-centric teleop control, robot movement is based on the robot’s orientation. The robot has a designated “front” and “back,” and the controls rotate with the robot.

For example, if the robot turns 90 degrees to the right, pushing the joystick forward causes the robot to move toward the right side of the field because the front of the robot is now facing that direction.

Field-centric drive changes this behavior by making movement relative to the field rather than the robot’s orientation. No matter which direction the robot faces, controls stay aligned to the driver’s perspective from the driver station.

Robot Orientation Diagram for Robot-Centric 

Robot-Centric vs. Field-Centric Drive

Let's take a closer look at the robot-centric drive and the field-centric drive so you can understand how and when each could work best for your team.

Robot-Centric Drive

With robot-centric drive:

• Pushing the joystick forward moves the robot in the direction the robot is facing
• Controls rotate with the robot
• Drivers must constantly account for robot orientation during movement

Robot-Centric Drive Perspective

Field-Centric Drive

With a field-centric drive:

• Pushing the joystick forward always moves the robot forward relative to the field
• Controls remain consistent regardless of robot orientation
• Drivers can rotate the robot without mentally remapping controls

Field-Centric Drive Perspective

Why FTC Teams Use Field-Centric Drive

Field-centric drive is commonly used in FTC because it can create a more intuitive driving experience, especially with mecanum drivetrains.

However, preferred drive style still depends on driver comfort and experience.

How Field-Centric Drive Works

Field-centric drive works by using the robot's current heading from the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) to transform joystick inputs before they are applied to the drivetrain.

The driver still uses the same controls as a standard FTC mecanum drivetrain:

• Left Joystick X → Strafing
• Left Joystick Y → Forward/Backward movement
• Right Joystick X → Rotation

The difference is that the translational inputs (X and Y) are adjusted using the robot's heading, while the rotational input remains unchanged. This allows movement to remain aligned with the field instead of the robot's orientation.

The process follows these general steps:

Joystick Input
↓
Read IMU Heading
↓
Apply Mecanum Equations
↓
Motor Powers

For example, if the robot turns 90 degrees, the software compensates for that change in orientation. As a result, pushing the joystick forward still moves the robot forward relative to the field, regardless of which direction the robot is facing.

Field-Centric Drive: The Math Behind the Controls

Field-centric drive works by mathematically rotating the driver's joystick input based on the robot's heading from the IMU. This allows the robot to maintain field-relative movement regardless of its orientation.

The process can be summarized in three steps:

1. Read joystick input (x, y)
2. Rotate the input using the robot heading (θ)
3. Apply the corrected values to the mecanum drive equations

The coordinate transformation used for field-centric control is:

x′ = x cosθ + y sinθ

y′ = y cosθ − x sinθ

Where:

• x = strafe input
• y = forward/backward input
• θ = robot heading from the IMU
• x′, y′ = corrected field-relative movement commands

These equations rotate the joystick input to compensate for robot orientation while preserving the driver's intended direction of travel.

The corrected values are then used in the mecanum drive equations:

FrontLeft = y′ + x′ + rx

BackLeft = y′ − x′ + rx

FrontRight = y′ − x′ − rx

BackRight = y′ + x′ − rx

Where rx represents the driver's rotational input.

For example, if the robot is rotated 90° and the driver pushes the joystick forward, the software adjusts the input before calculating motor power. The result is that the robot continues moving forward relative to the field, even though it is facing a different direction.

Key Considerations Before Implementing a Field-Centric Drive

Field-centric drive can improve driver performance, but it also introduces additional system complexity. Before implementing it, teams should evaluate whether their robot, software, and drivers are ready for the added requirements. Here are the key questions teams should ask themselves.

Team Readiness Checklist

Before implementing field-centric drive, confirm the following:

☐  Fully working mecanum drivetrain
☐  Motor directions tested and verified (robot moves correctly in robot-centric mode)
☐  Understanding of robot axes: forward, strafe, rotation
☐  IMU properly configured in the control system
☐  IMU calibrated with stable heading output
☐  Joystick inputs correctly mapped (no X/Y inversion issues)
☐  Consistent robot-centric control before adding field-centric logic

Common Field-Centric Setup Issues

Field-centric drive may behave incorrectly if any of the following are not configured properly:

☑️ IMU mounted in a different orientation than defined in code
☑️ Missing or inconsistent IMU calibration
☑️ Heading drift during operation
☑️ Swapped forward/back or left/right axes
☑️ Incorrect motor direction inversion
☑️ Unpredictable robot behavior when rotated

Field-Centric Drive vs Robot-Centric Drive

Both control styles are valid in FTC. The right choice depends on the team's experience, driver preferences, and software maturity.

Field-Centric Drive Pros & Cons

Robot-Centric Drive Pros & Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IMU for field-centric drive?

Yes. Field-centric drive relies on an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) to determine the robot's current heading. Without heading information, the robot cannot compensate for its orientation relative to the field.

Does field-centric drive only work with mecanum wheels?

No. Field-centric control can be used with other omnidirectional drivetrains, but it is most commonly implemented in FTC mecanum drivetrains because they can move in any direction without turning first.

Is field-centric drive better than robot-centric drive?

Not necessarily. Many teams prefer field-centric controls because they are more intuitive, but robot-centric drive is simpler to implement and can be easier to troubleshoot. The best choice depends on driver preference, team experience, and robot design.

Why does my field-centric drive behave incorrectly?

Common causes include incorrect IMU orientation settings, heading drift, swapped joystick axes, incorrect motor directions, or errors in the coordinate transformation equations.

Should rookie FTC teams use field-centric drive?

Rookie teams can certainly use field-centric drive, but it is usually best to first ensure the robot drives reliably in robot-centric mode. Once the drivetrain, motor directions, and controls are working correctly, field-centric control can be added as an upgrade.

Final Thoughts

Field-centric drive is a popular control method in FTC because it allows robot movement to remain aligned with the field rather than the robot's orientation. By using an IMU to track heading and applying a simple coordinate transformation, teams can create a more intuitive driving experience that reduces the need for constant mental reorientation during matches.

While field-centric drive introduces additional software complexity and requires a properly configured IMU, many teams find the benefits worthwhile, especially when using mecanum drivetrains. Whether your team chooses field-centric or robot-centric control ultimately comes down to driver preference, experience, and what works best for your robot and game strategy.

Related Articles

• FTC Mecanum Drive Programming Tips
• Build a Mecanum FTC Chassis in Your Team Colors
• Create a Fast & Versatile Mecanum Chassis for Your FTC Robot
• How to Build a Mecanum Drivetrain – Instructions
• Choosing the Right Drivetrain for Your Robot