Blog

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!  

Exploring Linear Motion Tools for FTC Linear motion plays a vital role in achieving precise, stable movement by converting rotational motion into straight-line action. In robotics competitions like FTC, the ability to execute precise movements is crucial for success. Linear motion tools provide the precision and speed teams need to excel in critical tasks like lifting, extending, and placing game elements accurately and quickly. Common tools for linear motion include linear actuators, motion systems, robot transfer units (RTUs), slides, and guides. Each of these tools serves to maximize efficiency, accuracy, and reliability in the robot’s movement. Linear motion solutions enable robots to extend arms, lift mechanisms, or carry out tasks efficiently across the field. If you want your robot to reach for objects or transport materials, incorporating linear actuators, slides, and other motion tools will help you get there. Linear motion isn’t just crucial for robotics teams; it is also used in a variety of industries like manufacturing, the medical field, and transportation.

Applications of Linear Motion Systems

Linear motion systems are widely used across multiple industries including manufacturing, medical equipment, transportation, logistics, and robotics for improving productivity and reliability.

• Manufacturing & Automation: For manufacturing and automation, linear motion systems are essential in CNC machines for precision cutting and drilling. Just as CNC machines depend on precision, FTC teams can leverage these systems for repeatable accuracy in robot designs, ensuring every movement counts.
• Healthcare: In the medical field, linear motion systems improve imaging quality in MRI and CT scanners and ensure precise movements in surgical robots, particularly for minimally invasive procedures.
• Transportation and Logistics: In transportation and logistics, these systems streamline operations by powering conveyor belts and enhancing automated storage and retrieval systems in warehouses, boosting efficiency, and reducing labor costs.

While industries like manufacturing and healthcare rely on linear motion for precision, FTC teams can harness these same tools to gain a competitive edge on the field.

Linear Motion in Robotics

In robotics, especially for manufacturing and automation, linear motion systems allow robotic arms to execute precise and repeatable movements along straight paths. These systems are great for tasks like:

• Assembly: Assembling components with high accuracy and repeatability.
• Material Handling: Safely transporting materials between workstations.
• Packaging: Packaging products quickly and with precision.
• Inspection: Conducting quality control checks on products.

While linear motion systems are integral to these high-stakes industries, FTC teams use similar tools to achieve precision and control on the competition field.

Linear Motion Solutions from Studica Robotics

FTC teams can also use these linear motion systems for critical tasks in competitions to ensure accuracy and reliability in their robot’s movements. Studica Robotics provides various linear motion solutions, including linear actuators, rack and pinion systems, linear slides, and slide rails. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each.

Linear Actuators	Rack and Pinion	Slide Rails
Pros: High accuracy and repeatability. Can handle significant loads (up to 40 pounds). Easy to power and program like a standard servo.	Pros: Simple design, easy to implement. Can be optimized for different mechanical advantages (for example: higher load or compact designs).	Pros: Lightweight, sturdy aluminum build. Configurable to create mechanical advantages (for example: cascading lifts). Customizable for speed or torque with belt and pulley systems.
Cons: Requires calibration for accurate extension and retraction. Slower extension/retraction speeds due to higher load capacity.	Cons: Requires precise alignment to avoid wear and tear, which can result in decreased performance or component failure over time. Limited load capacity without additional support.	Cons: May add weight to the robot. Requires 3D-printed parts for some designs.

Linear Actuators

Actuators are devices that convert electrical signals into mechanical motion, enabling them to perform various actions. While multi-mode smart servos provide precise angular movements, linear actuators excel at producing straight-line motion. To achieve linear movement, you could use a regular motor or a servo motor in conjunction with a rack and pinion system. However, linear servo RC actuators offer a more streamlined and integrated solution for this purpose. Linear actuators provide the precision necessary for delicate scoring actions, such as placing game elements at precise heights during autonomous modes.

Rack and Pinion

Rack and pinion systems use a simple gear (pinion) that moves along a straight bar with teeth (rack), making it easy to convert rotary movement into straight-line motion.

Slide Rails

Slide rails are essential components in robotics, enabling the creation of linear motion systems for a wide range of applications for mobile robotics. They can be used for multistage slide systems, lift systems, extending arms, suspension, and reducing resistance.

Studica Robotics slide rails are designed for precision, strength, and ease of use, making them a trusted choice for teams worldwide. Constructed from lightweight aluminum, they offer durability without adding unnecessary weight. With pre-drilled, countersunk holes they make installation easy and offer you the ability to place two rails side-by-side to enhance stability and support. With smooth, precise movement thanks to ball bearings, these rails can handle significant loads, even allowing for applications like suspending a robot in the air! Our aluminum slide rails ensure smooth, efficient movement through rolling ball bearings, making them ideal for heavier loads and extensive reach. Slide rails are available in two sizes, providing fully extended lengths up to 468mm and 624mm. You can also find Linear Slide Sets in 400mm and 250mm length options.

Linear Motion Solutions for INTO THE DEEP

In many robotics competitions, including this INTO THE DEEP FTC season, teams are challenged to design robots capable of reaching areas beyond their drivetrain’s normal range. Robots must often start within a confined space—like the FTC’s 18" x 18" x 18" starting cube—while also being able to extend beyond this limit during gameplay. To achieve this, teams need innovative linear motion mechanisms that can extend and retract while staying within the competition's size constraints. For the 2024-2025 INTO THE DEEP challenge, here are some linear motion ideas that could give your robot a competitive edge:

• Cascading Rails: A two-stage lift system can be a powerful solution for reaching into submersible zones to collect samples. This mechanism allows the robot to access both the low basket and low chamber with ease, expanding its range without sacrificing stability.
• Single-Stage Extending Arm: This design uses a lever system powered by a servo to extend a linear slide. It’s a simple yet effective way to reach critical game elements while maintaining control over the arm’s movement.

Given the underwater theme of INTO THE DEEP, mechanisms like cascading rails and extending arms provide the reach and flexibility to collect samples or navigate tight spaces, all while staying within the competition's size constraints.

What FTC Teams Are Saying

We've gotten great feedback from FTC teams using Studica Robotics products!

• One user shared, “The slide rails are smooth, space-saving with their low profile, and the predrilled holes perfectly match the channel.”
• Another, "The Studica Linear Servo Actuators are excellent and cost us significantly less than anything else out there."
• Robotics teams also enjoy the convenience Studica brings. Instead of modifying drawer slides from home improvement stores, teams enjoy our slide rails, a simpler, more precise solution for their linear motion needs.

In summary, integrating linear motion tools into your FTC robot design can significantly enhance your team’s competitive performance in the INTO THE DEEP challenge. From linear actuators and rack and pinion systems to precision slide rails, these components provide the necessary flexibility, precision, and stability for executing complex tasks on the field. By leveraging the expertise and solutions offered by Studica Robotics, teams can streamline their build processes and focus on innovative strategies to achieve success. As you prepare for this year's competition, remember that the right linear motion systems can be the key to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.

Ready to Level Up Your Robot?

Explore our full range of linear motion solutions and actuators today, and let Studica Robotics help you build a winning robot for this season's INTO THE DEEP challenge. Don’t miss the chance to give your team a competitive edge!

We are thrilled to share the results from the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 Autonomous Mobile Robotics (AMR) Competition! Before diving into the details, we want to give a big shout-out to WorldSkills, the competitors, volunteers, and everyone who made this incredible event possible. This competition wasn’t just a showcase of skills, it was a celebration of how robotics is shaping our future. And, of course, we were especially excited to see our favorite skill, Autonomous Mobile Robotics, take the spotlight! It was amazing to watch these AMR competitors in action, demonstrating how robotics can revolutionize agriculture. They designed, built, and maintained robots while solving real-world problems on the fly. The challenge? Finding ways to boost farm production using robotics to increase efficiency and safety.

WorldSkills Lyon AMR Winners

Before we dive into the results, let's take a moment to celebrate every team and competitor. These teams truly raised the bar! Your dedication and skill were truly remarkable, and we deeply appreciate all your hard work. Now, let’s reveal the results of Skill 23, Autonomous Mobile Robotics, from WorldSkills Lyon 2024!

Gold Medal Winners We had a tie for the top spot! Congratulations to both Team China and Team Korea for an incredible performance!

• Team China: Canhao Fang and Jiajun Jiang – 763 points
• Team Korea: Gyeomon Gim and Yonghyeon Kim – 763 points

Bronze Medal           

• Team Chinese Taipei: Ming-Che Wu and Yuan-Chen Chiang – 738 points

Medallion for Excellence Recipients Teams that scored 700 or more points and achieved an exceptional level of excellence receive the Medallion for Excellence:

• Team Macao, China: Kin Hang Lai and Ka Wai Tou – 721 points
• Team Japan: Kentaro Toribami and Saya Sugimoto – 720 points
• Team Austria: Jan Trummer and Simon Stoisser – 713 points
• Team Indonesia: Denny Syahrul Arfiansyah and Ahmad Yogi Fernanda – 711 points
• Team Kazakhstan: Elnar Zhuasbayev and Timur Babenko – 710 points
• Team Singapore: Genisa Gabrielle Lee and Gan Kah Kheng – 710 points
• Team United Arab Emirates: Yahya Alzaabi and Bader Bin Rabaa – 704 points
• Team Brazil: Matheus Maus Gassen and Matheus Eichherr – 700 points
• Team Colombia: Juan Sebastian Ospina Manrique and Miguel Angel Quiza Neuto – 700 points

Honorable Mentions A special shout-out to all the other teams who competed and brought their best to the Autonomous Mobile Robotics competition, including Team Vietnam, Team Croatia, Team India, Team Thailand, Team France, Team Jamaica, Team Hong Kong, China, Team Saudi Arabia, Team Mexico, and Team Iran.

About this Year's AMR Competition

The WorldSkills 2024 Lyon Autonomous Mobile Robotics competition highlighted the vital role robotics plays in agriculture, where automation is rapidly transforming the industry. Participants will design and build Mobile Robots capable of collecting environmental data. This data is then used to guide both their mobility and object-handling capabilities. In the agriculture sector, robots are used for automating complex tasks, driving the demand for skilled AMR Technicians and Engineers. At WorldSkills, competitors demonstrated key skills, including autonomous navigation in unfamiliar environments and object manipulation. Their robots will handle and transport items of various sizes and weights, all while adapting to real-world challenges. The focus areas of this competition included:

• Prototyping: Competitors must build innovative solutions from scratch. The prototypes they create must solve specific problems.
• Navigation and Localization: Robots must navigate unknown environments, which is crucial for real-world applications.
• Vision: Competitors will create machine vision algorithms to detect and analyze objects. While using a robot is not mandatory in this module, it can be beneficial.
• Interaction: Robots must be able to work with the delicate precision of a human touch. This is important for handling fragile objects, like in the case of gathering eggs.
• Testing and Fault-Finding: Competitors must diagnose and fix issues of faulty equipment using provided datasheets.

The competition culminated in the final challenge where robots must perform autonomous tasks on a defined course. View the complete competition details. The equipment required for this event included the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 Mobile Robotics Collection. There are over 1,600 robotic components included in this kit.

The Growing Importance of Robotics in Agriculture

As the agricultural workforce ages and immigration policies shift, farm labor shortages are becoming a pressing issue. Robots offer a game-changing solution. By automating repetitive, time-consuming tasks, new opportunities emerge in areas like management, programming, and robot maintenance—opening doors to higher-paying, innovative careers. The potential is massive! The global agricultural robotics market is currently valued at $13.5 billion, and it's only growing from here. The future of farming is automated, and we are excited to see where it leads! The world of agriculture is evolving, and robots are leading the way. This competition highlighted this exciting future!

A global robotics community, FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), is committed to sparking a passion for innovation in young minds. Through engaging, mentor-guided programs, students dive into engineering, programming, and robotics challenges, while developing critical technical skills, confidence, self-esteem, and communication abilities—empowering them to become the next generation of leaders and innovators. These programs provide a creative, inclusive learning environment that goes beyond robotics, helping students build a brighter future. FIRST offers hands-on learning opportunities for all ages and experience levels through FIRST^® LEGO League (FLL), FIRST^® Tech Challenge (FTC), and FIRST^® Robotics Competition (FRC).

 

The 2024-2025 FIRST^® season, FIRST^® DIVE℠ presented by Qualcomm, takes teams on an underwater journey to explore life beneath the ocean’s surface. Teams will use their STEM and collaboration skills to uncover how we can build stronger communities and innovate for healthier oceans.

About FIRST^® Tech Challenge

FTC brings together students and mentors to design, code, build, and compete with robots in thrilling challenges. Geared towards students with some robotics experience, FTC bridges the gap between beginners and the more advanced FRC program. But FIRST Tech Challenge is more than just about building robots, it equips young people with the skills and confidence to tackle real-world problems and become global citizens. Gracious Professionalism^® is a core value of the FIRST ethos. Guided by the FIRST Core Values of Coopertition^®, discovery, innovation, inclusion, and fun, FTC fosters a sense of purpose and resilience, inspiring students to create a better future.

INTO THE DEEP: 2024-2025 Season

Get ready to dive into the ocean's depths with the 2024-2025 FIRST Tech Challenge season, INTO THE DEEP^℠ presented by RTX! This year’s game offers many opportunities for teams to display their skills and creativity. Imagine your robot exploring uncharted waters, uncovering hidden wonders, and taking on daring new challenges! With more scoring zones, a heart-pounding two-level climb, and an action-packed split game field, the possibilities are endless. Can your team rise to the occasion and conquer the depths? It's time to strategize, build, and compete in one of the most exciting FTC seasons yet!

 

 

What’s New in INTO THE DEEP?

While the INTO THE DEEP game shares some similarities with last year's FIRST Tech Challenge CENTERSTAGE game, several exciting new features set it apart:

1.  More Scoring Zones: This year, additional scoring zones give teams more opportunities to earn points and strategize.
2. Two Scoring Stations in Teleop: Each alliance now has two scoring stations during teleoperated play, doubling the opportunities to score compared to last year's single station.
3. Two-Level Climb Challenge: Robots must climb two levels this year! First, they must reach and hang from the first rung before progressing to the second.
4.  Split Game Field: The field is divided into two sections, ensuring each alliance has exclusive access to their side, allowing smoother gameplay.

How Studica Robotics Can Help

Having the right tools and components becomes critical to staying ahead of the competition. Studica Robotics is a comprehensive robotics building platform with everything you need to build, learn, and compete. To tackle any challenge INTO THE DEEP that comes your way, we have the products you'll need for your robot.

• Slides: Take your robot's performance to the next level with Studica’s powerful linear slides and pulley systems. Built for speed and precision, these components make scooping up samples a breeze. Explore our wide range of slides, pulleys, belts, and gears to find the perfect fit for your design!

SLIDES

PULLEYS

BELTS

GEARS

• Servo Motors:
  • Our lightweight, stackable slides, combined with the flexibility of the Multi-Mode Smart Servo, ring serious power without the bulk—perfect for keeping your robot fast and nimble! The servo can function as a continuous rotation or standard servo, making it perfect for active intakes or gripping mechanisms.
  • The Multi-Mode Smart Servo 200 – FAST rotates at 200RPM which can be useful for instances such as an inactive intake.
• Power Block: The Servo Power Block ensures your servos run at peak performance by supplying 6V, enhancing the efficiency of any mechanism.

MULTI-MODE SMART SERVO

MULTI-MODE SMART SERVO 200 - FAST

SERVO POWER BLOCK

• Structure: Crafted from 3mm thick, 6061-T6 aluminum, our structure components are anodized, deburred, and polished for maximum durability and safety. Despite being lightweight, they’re incredibly strong and built to last. With a wide range of options—from U-Channels to various brackets and beams—our versatile hole pattern allows for endless customization.
• Intake Wheels: For reliable intakes, our Flex (Compliant) Wheels offer excellent grip, especially when picking up specimens available in 35A, 40A, 50A, and 60A.
• Chassis Kit: The FTC Drive Base Kit, featuring a robust Mecanum drivebase, remains a top choice for navigating the competition field with ease.

STRUCTURE

FLEX WHEELS

FTC DRIVE BASE KIT

The 2024-2025 FIRST Tech Challenge season, INTO THE DEEP,  takes robotics teams on an exciting underwater adventure. This season's game introduces new challenges, such as more scoring zones, a two-level climb, and a split game field, giving teams plenty of opportunities to score big. Teams will need to strategize around collecting game pieces, placing them in baskets, specimen scoring, and the endgame climb. Studica Robotics offers a wide range of tools and resources, including linear slides, servo motors, and our chassis kit, to help teams build versatile robots capable of tackling these underwater challenges. As your team prepares to dive INTO THE DEEP, make sure you’re equipped with the tools to succeed. Check out Studica Robotics today, and get ready to take on the depths of competition!