Quick Summary: The NavX3-CAN robotics navigation sensor is a completely re-engineered inertial measurement unit (IMU) for FRC and competition robotics. Designed from the ground up, it features a new gyro, accelerometer, magnetometer, and CAN-FD connectivity, providing accurate sensor data, easy calibration, and improved autonomous control. Ideal for all teams, from rookies to advanced builders.
An IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) is a sensor that tells a robot how it is moving and which way it is oriented. It combines a gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer.
A gyroscope measures how fast and in which direction the robot rotates. An accelerometer measures acceleration, how quickly the robot speeds up or slows down in any direction. A magnetometer acts like a compass to detect orientation.
In robotics, including FRC and other competitions, IMUs help robots drive straight, turn accurately, and navigate the field. They provide real-time data for autonomous routines and precise control, helping teams improve reliability and overall performance.
NavX3-CAN is a completely redesigned competition IMU. Unlike the previous NavX2 IMU, nothing carries over from the earlier version. All hardware, firmware, and architecture are completely new from the ground up.
Major Advantages:
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Brand-new IMU, magnetometer, MCU, and CAN architecture: Offers a fresh start for modern competitions.
✅ CAN-FD connectivity: Up to eight times faster than CAN 2.0, with up to eight times more data per packet for smoother control and better logging.
✅ Easy Calibration:Mount in any position or direction, simple user app to increase accuracy.
✅ High-speed Output: User-selectable rates up to 1000 Hz for fast control loops.
✅ Durable Design: Sealed case, reverse power protection, and color-coded Wago connectors. These upgrades ensure that every team, from rookies to advanced builders, can rely on accurate sensor data without complicated setup or difficult calibrations.
✅ Accuracy: Continuous per-axis bias estimation and a custom sensor fusion algorithm reduce drift and improve autonomous performance.
✅ Simple Calibration: Orientation-independent setup saves time during build season and competitions.
✅ Team-Friendly: Works for rookies with simple setup and reliable data, while advanced teams can push for higher autonomous precision.
✅ Future-Ready Systems: Compatible with legacy roboRIO via CAN 2.0 and ready for SystemCore updates in 2027.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Gyroscope | ±15.625 dps to ±4000 dps, 16-bit resolution |
| Accelerometer | ±2 g to ±32 g, 16-bit resolution |
| Magnetometer | ±800 µT, 13 nT resolution |
| Outputs | Yaw, Pitch, Roll, 6- & 9-axis Quaternion, Linear Acceleration, Angular Velocity |
| Voltage Range | 5–30 VDC |
| Shock Reliability | 20,000 g |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +85°C |
| Low Drift | No motion: ~0.0619°/hour 5 seconds after motion: ~0.0582°/min |
CAN-FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate) is an upgraded communication protocol that sends more data at higher speeds than the traditional CAN 2.0 (Controller Area Network Version 2.0, the older standard used for connecting sensors and controllers in robotics and automotive systems). For FRC teams, this means your robot can get sensor readings faster and more reliably, improving responsiveness and ultimately smoother autonomous operation.
✅ Smoother Sensor Readings: Faster updates mean more precise and responsive control.
✅ Better Autonomous Performance: High-speed data improves autonomous routine accuracy.
✅ Seamless FRC Integration: Works with modern control systems and prepares teams for future updates.
Who should use the NavX3-CAN?
All FRC robotics teams can benefit from the NavX3-CAN. Rookie teams enjoy a straightforward setup and automatic calibration, while advanced teams gain precise control for complex autonomous routines.
How is it different from the NavX2?
The NavX3-CAN is a complete redesign. All hardware, firmware, and architecture are new, providing a modern competition-ready IMU and competition robotics sensor for FRC.
Do I need to worry about calibration?
Before NavX-sensors are shipped, the accelerometers and gyroscopes are initially calibrated at the factory; this calibration data is stored in flash memory and applied automatically to the accelerometer and gyroscope data each time the NavX-sensor circuit board is powered on. A simple PC app allows the user to re-calibrate to help increase accuracy. While calibrating, the sensor will automatically detect its orientation.
Can I use it with older roboRIO systems?
Yes. The sensor supports CAN 2.0 for legacy systems and also offers CAN-FD for high-speed data and improved control performance.
Will it improve autonomous performance?
Yes. The NavX3-CAN delivers improved accuracy, low yaw drift, and reliable sensor data, making autonomous routines more precise and effective in FRC competitions.
Studica Robotics offers FRC-ready components to support your build:
Wire Options
Bonded wire with rated insulation and high flexibility, including 4 AWG, 6 AWG, 10 AWG, 12 AWG, 16 AWG, 18 AWG
CAN Wire for high-speed sensor communication
Sensor Wire for reliable connections
Each of these accessories is designed to help teams build faster, wire reliably, and focus on programming and autonomous performance.
The NavX3-CAN makes your robot smarter, easier to program, and more reliable on the field. Whether you’re a rookie team taking your first steps or an advanced team chasing precision, it gives you the edge you need this FIRST® Robotics Competition REBUILT™ season.
Studica Robotics also offers a range of FRC-ready components to support your build, including flexible bonded wire in multiple gauges, CAN and sensor-specific options, and pre-drilled extrusion at competitive prices. These tools help teams get up and running quickly so they can focus on programming and optimizing autonomous routines.
Get ready for an exciting FRC season and take your robot’s performance to the next level with NavX3-CAN and the supporting components designed to help your team succeed.
Quick Summary: Building a reliable, high-performing robot for the 2025-2026 DECODE Season is one of the most rewarding parts of the FTC robot build process. Whether your team is using the Studica Robotics FTC Starter Kit or the FTC Drive Base Kit, both systems provide a strong mechanical foundation. However, the real power lies in following an iterative design approach, where you prototype, test, analyze, and refine your robot over time.
This article guides teams through practical, beginner-friendly methods to upgrade both kits while enhancing their engineering skills.
One of the most valuable lessons in FTC is understanding that robots are not built once; they’re built over time. Every test, every failure, every small adjustment moves your team closer to a stable, high-scoring machine. Both Studica Robotics kits are designed to support that iterative design process:
| FTC Starter Kit Helps teams quickly assemble an FTC Starter Bot so they can test early, begin programming, and learn drivetrain behavior. | FTC Drive Base Kit Offers a complete Mecanum drivetrain that teams can refine and expand with their own scoring mechanisms. |
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Iterating early and often helps teams: ➡️ Improve driving performance ➡️ Test mechanisms in real-world conditions ➡️ Make informed upgrades instead of guessing ➡️ Build confidence with hardware and mechanical systems
Iterative design in FTC is not a random trial and error process. It is a structured engineering cycle that mirrors professional engineering practices. Every improvement your team makes follows the same core steps found in professional engineering:
Define → Ask → Imagine → Plan → Prototype → Test → Iterate
This cycle helps teams:
➡️ Identify what needs to change or improve
➡️ Explore constraints, rules, and existing solutions
➡️ Brainstorm multiple ways to solve the problem
➡️ Select an approach that fits strategy and resources ➡️ Build quick prototypes to try ideas early
➡️ Test designs on the field to gather real performance data
➡️ Refine based on what the tests reveal Using these steps gives teams a clear, repeatable method for refining mechanisms, improving scoring consistency, and strengthening overall robot reliability throughout the season. Review the full breakdown of the Engineering Design Process.
Regardless of which kit your team uses, these principles ensure smarter and safer iteration.
➡️ Make one change at a time to isolate what works and what does not
➡️ Test early and test often to see real performance in the field
➡️ Take pictures and document changes to save time during troubleshooting
➡️ Keep wiring organized to reduce disconnects and simplify servicing
➡️ Build with symmetry when possible to make balancing and reinforcement easier
The Studica Robotics building system is designed for easy reconfiguration, ideal for rapid prototyping and refinement during an FTC robot build. 
Key Advantages:
✅ Radial Hole Pattern: The unique hole pattern makes most structural pieces universally compatible, allowing parts to be easily repositioned or swapped.
✅ Versatile Structural Components: Available in multiple lengths and colors for refined prototyping:
✅Easy to Swap and Adjust: Consistent hole spacing allows teams to:
This flexibility is exactly what teams need when refining their robot design.
The FTC Starter Kit provides the baseline components for this season’s DECODE Starter Bot. It is designed to help teams:
Once the Starter Bot is assembled and tested, teams can begin upgrading it.
FTC Starter Bot: Shooter on Mecanum ChassisThis example takes the scoring system from the Studica Robotics FTC Starter Bot and places it onto a refined, competition ready Mecanum chassis. It’s a great starting point for teams looking to practice drivetrain control, get comfortable with strafing, and improve scoring efficiency. |
FTC Starter Bot: Wheel Guard ConfigurationThis variation keeps the core Starter Bot design but adds wheel guards to boost durability and protect the drivetrain. The guards help prevent walls, other robots, and game elements from catching on the wheels or interfering with rotation. |
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| What it demonstrates: How teams can reuse a proven mechanism while upgrading mobility for smoother alignment, better field positioning, and more consistent scoring. | What it demonstrates: A simple, low-effort upgrade that improves reliability without significant structural changes. |
The FTC Drive Base Kit provides a complete mecanum drivetrain with omnidirectional movement, giving teams flexibility when designing mechanisms. Unlike the FTC Starter Kit, the FTC Drive Base Kit only provides the materials needed to create a drivetrain, giving teams total creative freedom to design their own scoring mechanisms.
FTC Drive Base Kit: Protected Drivetrain with Odometry SupportThis version doesn’t include scoring mechanisms, but it features reinforced wheel guards designed to shield the Mecanum rollers and support the drivetrain during high-contact DECODE gameplay and space for odometry pods. |
FTC Drive Base Kit: Vertical Motor Mount for Under-Channel Odometry SpaceThis design is a more competition-focused refinement of the FTC Drive Base Kit v2. The motors are mounted vertically, leaving a clean channel beneath the 288 mm U-Channels—perfect for odometry pods, sensors, or future add-ons. It also includes reinforced Mecanum wheel guards built using standoffs, T-brackets, end plates, and low-profile U-Channels to help protect the wheels from hard impacts. |
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| What it demonstrates: Wheel guards and integrated odometry pods for more accurate autonomous tracking and movement. | What it demonstrates: A clean, expandable layout optimized for sensors and autonomous performance. |
What’s the main difference between the FTC Starter Kit and the FTC Drive Base Kit?
The FTC Starter Kit includes everything needed for a baseline Starter Bot. The FTC Drive Base Kit is drivetrain-only, giving teams full freedom to design.
Do I need special tools to upgrade the FTC Starter Bot?
No. The unique Studica Robotics hole pattern allows parts, motors, gears, and other components to connect easily without special equipment.
Can I use the FTC Starter Bot for prototyping?
Yes. Many teams test early mechanisms or scoring ideas on the FTC Starter Bot.
Can the FTC Drive Base Kit support advanced mechanisms?
Absolutely. Its open layout is designed for sensors, scoring systems, and expansion structures.
Should I choose torque or high-RPM motors?
It depends on your design. Many teams prototype with different planetary gearbox ratios on their motor to determine their preferred performance.
Why is iteration so important in FTC?
Each change helps teams improve reliability, score faster, and understand how mechanical decisions affect robot behavior.
Where can I learn more about the engineering design process?
Learn more here: Dive into Robotics with the Engineering Design Process
Both the FTC Starter Kit and FTC Drive Base Kit give teams a reliable starting point for their FTC robot build. Most teams improve performance by using the design-test-refine process reinforcing structure and refining layouts throughout the season. These adjustments help teams understand mechanical behavior while gradually developing a more consistent robot.
Quick Summary: WorldSkills Asia Taipei 2025 brought together top young talent from across the region to compete, innovate, and showcase emerging skills in technical fields. One of the most anticipated categories, Autonomous Mobile Robotics (AMR), featured Studica Robotics as the Premium Sponsor and official equipment provider. Competitors designed, built, and programmed autonomous robots to tackle real-world agricultural challenges, using components from the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 Mobile Robotics Collection, a comprehensive kit containing more than 1,600 parts.
This article explores the event, the competition structure, the role of Studica Robotics, and why AMR continues to shape the future of smart agriculture and industrial automation.
WorldSkills Asia Taipei 2025 is a major regional skills competition focused on advancing excellence in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). It brings together emerging talent to compete in a wide range of skill categories, from engineering and manufacturing to digital technology and automation. The event offers young professionals a platform to test their skills, solve real-world problems, and benchmark themselves against international standards. The competition welcomed over 500 participants from 29 member countries.
The Autonomous Mobile Robotics (AMR) skill competition at WorldSkills Asia Taipei is more than a robotics competition; it’s a test of engineering, problem-solving, and innovation under pressure. Each team, composed of two competitors, must work through every stage of robotic development: designing the mechanical structure, assembling components, integrating electronics, programming behavior, troubleshooting hardware, and ultimately demonstrating full autonomy.
The WorldSkills Asia Taipei 2025 AMR competition was centered around agricultural robotics, reflecting global trends in smart farming and automated food production. With the industry facing labor shortages, environmental pressures, and growing demand, autonomous robots offer promising solutions.
To mirror real conditions, competitors built robots capable of tasks such as:
Navigating unpredictable environments
Detecting and identifying agricultural items
Handling objects delicately (like produce or eggs)
Performing precise movements
Mapping and interacting with a structured arena.
The competition culminated in a timed, high-pressure performance test. Robots were required to move through a defined course, complete object-handling tasks, reach service zones, and execute autonomous maneuvers as efficiently and accurately as possible. Strategy mattered just as much as technical skill: competitors had to manage restarts, avoid penalties, and balance manual vs. autonomous actions to maximize points. Watch a video of a robot moving throught the course at the WorldSkills Asia Taiwan 2025 AMR competition.
This year’s AMR competition included teams from the United Arab Emirates, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar.
Senior Competition:
Junior Competition:
Congratulations to all competitors for their hard work, creativity, and commitment to excellence. And a big kudos to this year’s medalists on their outstanding achievements!
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For this event, Studica Robotics served as the Premium Sponsor and the official equipment supplier for the AMR competition. Every team relied on robotics components from the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 Mobile Robotics Collection, a comprehensive robotics kit comprising over 1,600 mechanical and electronic parts, including key technologies such as the Titan Quad Motor Controller, VMX Robotics Controller, 3D Depth Camera, and 360° LiDAR.
Studica Robotics also partnered with ReMiSYS, our Taiwan distributor, to host an interactive Try-a-Skill booth at TaiEx2. Visitors had the opportunity to explore Studica Robotics' products, interact with demo robots, and learn how autonomous systems are programmed and constructed. Take a look.
As always, Studica Robotics remains committed to empowering the next generation of global robotics talent through reliable, competition-grade technology. Our involvement is part of a long-standing commitment to WorldSkills and to supporting the growth of the Autonomous Mobile Robotics skill worldwide. Studica Robotics has been a proud supporter and supplier for WorldSkills mobile robotics since 2014. We are looking forward to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026!
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear about the event and AMR.
What is WorldSkills Asia?
WorldSkills Asia is a regional skills competition where young professionals from Asian countries compete in various vocational and technical trades to demonstrate excellence and innovation.
What is the Autonomous Mobile Robotics skill competition?
It’s a team robotics competition where participants design, build, program, and test mobile robots to solve real-world challenges across industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and aerospace.
Why is Studica Robotics involved?
Studica Robotics is the Premium Sponsor and official equipment supplier for the AMR skill, providing the industry-standard robotics systems used in training and competition worldwide.
What kit do the teams use?
All teams use the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 Mobile Robotics Collection, an extensive kit containing 1,600+ components designed for professional-level autonomous robotics work. This comprehensive robotics kit includes key technologies such as the Titan Quad Motor Controller, VMX Robotics Controller, 3D Depth Camera, and 360° LiDAR.
Why focus on agriculture?
Agriculture is rapidly shifting toward automation due to labor shortages, sustainability goals, and efficiency demands. Autonomous robots can perform tasks like planting, harvesting, and monitoring crops with precision.
Can school robotics teams use Studica products?
Absolutely. The same Studica Robotics robot parts and components used in WorldSkills competitions are available to schools, FTC teams, hobbyists, and university engineering programs.
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The AMR competition in Taipei showcased the passion, creativity, and determination that define today’s robotics community. From the engineering challenges to the final autonomous runs, competitors demonstrated the power of collaboration and technical excellence. Studica Robotics is proud to play a role in their success and to continue providing the solutions that bring ambitious robotic ideas to life. The momentum from WorldSkills Asia Taipei now carries forward to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, and the future looks incredibly bright!
Quick Summary: Power management is crucial for your FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) robot. Teams often focus on mechanical design and coding, but many overlook the importance of consistent voltage, clean wiring, and balanced current distribution. This guide explains how to optimize robot power for better performance throughout the DECODE competition. From choosing the right components to monitoring battery health, every step helps ensure your robot performs its best on the field.
FTC robots rely on stable electrical power for driving, lifting, and manipulating game elements, such as artifacts. When voltage drops or power isn’t distributed efficiently, motors lose torque, servos behave unpredictably, and control systems can even reboot mid-match. Optimizing power isn’t just about avoiding brownouts; it’s about delivering consistent energy to every subsystem, so your robot performs the same in the final match as it did in practice.
Keeping your FTC robot power system reliable isn’t just about using the right parts. It’s about how you build, wire, and maintain your system. A well-planned electrical layout can make the difference between a clean run and a mid-match reboot. These practical techniques will help your FTC team keep power consistent and performance steady from practice to playoffs.
✅ Start with power mapping. Before wiring your robot, list out every power-consuming component, including motors, servos, sensors, and controllers, and plan how they’ll draw power. This helps prevent overload on any one hub or circuit.
✅ Balance your electrical layout. Keep heavy current components (like drive motors) on one side and lower current devices (like sensors and servos) on the other to distribute the load evenly.
✅ Secure and label all wiring. Use color-coded wire and labeling tape so you can quickly trace circuits during troubleshooting.
✅ Test before mounting. Run all electrical systems on a flat surface before installing them in your robot. Watch for power drops or inconsistent servo movement.
✅ Log voltage data during testing. Monitor your robot’s voltage and current draw using the telemetry tools available in the Control Hub. Watch for any sudden voltage drop-offs, which can indicate wiring issues or uneven power distribution.
These small details can save your team time during inspections and reduce the risk of electrical issues during competition. Once your setup is stable, you can focus on performance and reliability.
The table below organizes common FTC robot power issues by system type, including 🔴Battery/Voltage, 🟦Motor/Power Distribution, and 🟢 Servo Power, so you can quickly identify problems and solutions relevant to each subsystem.
| Category | Problem | Solution / Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🔴 Battery/Voltage | The battery drains quickly | Check for high current draw (motor stalled or stuck, drivetrain binding, or wiring fault) and test with a known-good battery. |
| 🔴 Battery/Voltage | Rapid charging damages the battery | Charge NiMH slowly and consistently |
| 🔴 Battery/Voltage | Voltage drops from long cables or poor layout | Mount the FTC Power Block near the battery, keep cables short and organized |
| 🔴 Battery/Voltage | Voltage dips when the robot draws a lot of current (heavy load). | Check voltage frequently, swap batteries early |
| 🟦 Motor/Power Distribution | Extra motors/electronics need power, but space is limited | Use the FTC Power Block for 12 V distribution; compact design fits tight builds |
| 🟦 Motor/Power Distribution | Need more DC motor ports | Use an Expansion Hub; FTC Power Block for additional regulated power |
| 🟦 Motor/Power Distribution | Power wiring is cramped or tangled | Plan layout, leave slack for strain relief, and mount the FTC Power Block for easy access |
| 🟦 Motor/Power Distribution | Servos need max torque/speed far from the Control Hub | Place the Servo Power Block near the servo cluster to prevent voltage drop |
| 🟢 Servo Power | Servo hits hard stops or experiences strain | Set angle limits and neutral position in code |
| 🟢 Servo Power | Servo moves too slowly or struggles with heavy loads | Match servo type to the task: Multi-Mode Smart Servo 200 – FAST for speed, Multi-Mode Smart Servo (standard) for torque |
| 🟢 Servo Power | Servo performance drops due to long cables or shared power lines | Keep wiring short and direct to maintain a stable voltage |
| 🟢 Servo Power | Standard servo isn’t getting enough power from the Control Hub | Use a Servo Power Block (#75006) to provide a steady 6 V supply with more available current |
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FTC Power Block
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Multi-Mode Smart Servo (Standard) |
Multi-Mode Smart Servo 200 – FAST FTC Legal |
Servo Power Block
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A clean wiring layout improves both performance and reliability.
Proper wiring and connector choice are critical to prevent voltage drops, brownouts, and inconsistent robot performance. Following the FTC Game Manual is mandatory, but using slightly thicker wires and high-quality connectors improves reliability, especially during heavy loads or repeated matches.
📌 Note that in wire gauges, smaller numbers indicate thicker wire, which can carry more current and reduce voltage loss, helping your robot perform more reliably under load.
Use this table to select the appropriate wire gauge for your FTC robot to ensure reliable power delivery and prevent voltage drops.
| Component | Minimum per FTC Rules (thinnest allowed) | Recommended for Performance | Connector Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery & Main Power | 18 AWG | 14 AWG | Powerpole (Anderson PP45) | Thicker wire + high-current connector reduces voltage drop and handles current spikes safely |
| Power Switch | 18 AWG | 12 AWG | Powerpole (Anderson PP45) | Maintains consistent current; minimizes voltage drop across the system |
| Motors | 18 AWG | 14 AWG | Powerpole (Anderson PP45) | Prevents voltage drops on high-draw motors |
| PWM | 22 AWG | 22 AWG | Standard | Maintains signal integrity for motor control |
| Signal | 28 AWG | 24 AWG | Standard | Prevents sensor misreads for sensors and telemetry |
Connector Choice:
XT30: Rated for 15 A continuous, acceptable for small devices, but can underperform for main power.
Powerpole (Anderson PP45) / ANEN: Rated for 30 A continuous, wide spring-loaded contacts reduce resistance, maintain secure connections, and ensure stable current flow to high-draw devices, like motors.
A grounding strap (such as this Resistive Grounding Strap) connects the robot’s electrical ground to the metal frame to safely dissipate static buildup.
Why it matters: Driving over foam or plastic fields can generate static that disrupts sensors, the Control Hub, or LEDs. Symptoms include random disconnects, sensor misreads, servo resets, and reboots.
When to use:
Robot reboots after driving over foam tiles
Friction-heavy mechanisms (intakes, conveyors, compliant wheels)
Static-sensitive components like IMUs or encoders are misbehaving
Installation:
Attach one end to the metal chassis and the other to the battery’s negative terminal. The strap’s resistance (~1 MΩ) allows gradual static discharge, avoiding electrical shorts. The example image below is from the FTC Documentation Website.
According to the FIRST Tech Challenge DECODE Game Manual, teams are limited to having only one approved 12 V NiMH main battery for their robot. These tips help you keep your battery healthy and ensure reliable output under heavy load. The Studica Robotics 12 V 3000 mAh NiMH Battery Pack pp45 ARES (#70025) is FTC Legal and an excellent choice for teams. Pair it with the NiMH Battery Pack Charger PP45 ARES (#70026) and charge at a slow, consistent rate to extend battery lifespan and prevent overheating.
Here’s what to focus on:
✅ Fully charge and rest your batteries. Batteries perform best when charged fully and allowed to rest for a few minutes before use. Avoid using freshly charged, hot batteries right away.
✅ Rotate your batteries. Use a rotation system so each pack gets equal use. Mark and log their age and performance.
✅ Understand Battery Voltage. Although the FTC robot battery is rated 12 V, a fully charged pack can read around 13 V at rest. This is normal. Under load, the voltage will drop toward 12 V.
✅ Monitor voltage under load. A battery may show 13V when idle, but dips under load. Measure voltage while motors are running; consistent voltage around 12–13V indicates good health.
✅ Check your connectors. Worn or loose connectors can create resistance and heat buildup, leading to voltage drop.
Using a computerized battery analyzer allows you to perform a controlled 10 A discharge test on your battery. The results will show you the actual capacity versus the rated 3000 mAh:
🟩 Close to 3000 mAh = healthy
❌ Significantly lower = replace battery
Why it matters: Full voltage doesn’t guarantee performance under load. Regular testing ensures reliable output during matches.
In FTC, servos are limited by how much power the Control Hub or Expansion Hub can supply. For high-torque servos, this can cause performance inconsistencies.
The Studica Robotics Servo Power Block (#75006) is FTC Legal and solves this issue by delivering direct regulated power to up to six servos, independent of the Control Hub’s internal regulator. It connects to the main battery and uses logic-level signals from the hub, ensuring your servos always receive steady voltage.
Choosing the right servo for each mechanism is key to reliable robot performance. The following tips help your team select the best servos and optimize their placement for speed, torque, and stability.
✅ High-RPM servos like the FTC Legal, Studica Robotics Multi-Mode Smart Servo 200 – FAST (#75007) are ideal for quick mechanisms such as indexers or feeders. It delivers programmable high‑speed performance for servo‑driven subsystems.
✅ Standard Multi-Mode Servos (#75002) provide higher torque for heavier mechanisms like arms or claws. Matching servo type to its mechanical task reduces strain, lowers current draw, and ensures consistent performance. This is especially useful for robots using multiple servos for complex mechanisms like claws, lifts, or multi-axis arms, where stable servo performance is critical.
✅ Mount the Servo Power Block close to the servo clusters and use the PWM Cable Set (#71011) to minimize voltage drop.
Proper management of motors and the Control Hub ensures consistent power distribution, reducing the risk of performance issues. Use these best practices to balance load, protect your electronics, and maintain smooth operation throughout competition.
➕ Distribute motor loads evenly. Avoid powering all high-current motors (like drive motors) from the same port bank. Spread them across multiple hubs or channels.
➕ Check firmware and wiring. Firmware updates often improve power handling on hubs. Be sure to keep everything current.
➕ Use expansion hubs strategically. If your robot has many motors and servos, an Expansion Hub can help balance electrical load across systems.
➕ Add extra ports with the FTC Power Block. For robots that require more motors than the Control Hub can supply, the FTC Legal FTC Power Block provides additional regulated ports, keeping voltage stable across all high-current devices.
➕ Secure your Control Hub. Vibrations can cause loose connections, especially on USB and power plugs. Mount the hub on vibration-dampening pads or secure plates.
📌 Note: For the DECODE season, FTC robots are limited to a total of 8 motors and 10 servos per the DECODE™ Competition Manual.
Testing your robot’s electrical system before every match can save a run.
✅ Measure voltage drop during practice runs. Use telemetry to track voltage behavior under load.
✅ Inspect wiring visually. Look for pinched or frayed wires after every round of testing.
✅ Use current monitoring tools. Devices like ammeters or telemetry-based monitors can help identify which components draw the most power.
Having a stable power setup ensures the robot’s drive base and manipulators respond consistently, giving your drivers predictable control.
FTC teams can use the Control Hub’s telemetry blocks in Block programming to display key data on the Driver Hub.
Tracking battery voltage: Use the VoltageSensor block to monitor if the battery stays above 12 V under load. 
Tracking motor current: Use the Tracking Current Data block under Actuators > DC Motor > Extended to check each motor’s draw. 
Driver Hub Display: Drivers see real-time voltage and motor current readings, helping catch low-voltage conditions or overworked motors. 
Selecting the right power components helps your FTC robot stay efficient and reliable during every match.
➕ Simplify power distribution. Use 14 AWG or thicker wire from the battery to hubs, and keep runs short. The FTC Power Block helps simplify and organize 12 V power distribution across components.
➕ Support high-torque servos. When running multiple or high-load servos, use the FTC Legal Servo Power Block for a stable 6 V output without overloading the Control Hub.
➕ Pick servos for their role. The Multi-Mode Smart Servo 200 – FAST (FTC Legal) offers high speed for quick mechanisms, while the Standard Multi-Mode Smart Servo (FTC Legal) provides more torque for heavier systems.
➕ Keep wiring short and secure. Use Powerpole (Anderson PP45) connectors and minimize wire length to reduce resistance and maintain stable voltage.
Beyond power distribution and battery care, there are additional practical steps your FTC team can take to keep your robot running smoothly. The following tips cover maintenance, servo management, and system checks that help your robot perform consistently during matches.
✅ Keep spare batteries charged and labeled with voltage readings.
✅ Replace connectors showing signs of oxidation or wear.
✅ Store batteries in a cool, dry environment between events.
✅ Run a full power system check before each match.
✅ Use a Servo Power Block for high-torque servos far from the Control Hub.
✅ Keep wiring short, labeled, and secure.
✅ Match servos to mechanical tasks: FAST for speed, Standard for torque.
✅ Monitor telemetry for voltage and motor current.
✅ Rotate and rest batteries, store in cool, dry locations.
✅ Install grounding straps for static-sensitive mechanisms.
✅ Use high-quality connectors (Powerpole (Anderson PP45)/ANEN) over XT30 for main power delivery.
What causes voltage drops in FTC robots? Common causes include weak batteries, undersized wires, and loose connectors. Each adds resistance, reducing available voltage to motors and servos.
Can I power servos directly from the Control Hub? Yes, but high-torque servos may draw more current than the Control Hub can safely supply. A Servo Power Block, such as the one offered by Studica Robotics, ensures reliable power for multiple servos.
How do I know if my battery is going bad? If the voltage drops sharply during load, or your robot’s performance varies between matches despite a full charge, the battery may have reduced capacity.
Is rewiring my robot worth it mid-season? Yes, clean wiring reduces resistance, improves reliability, and makes troubleshooting much easier during competition.
Why is my robot browning out or losing power?
Brownouts happen when the voltage drops below the hub’s minimum level. Check for loose or undersized wires, damaged connectors, or weak batteries. Using the correct gauge wire and healthy batteries helps prevent voltage dips.
What does the “Multi-Mode” in Multi-Mode Smart Servo mean?
It refers to the servo’s ability to operate in different control modes, such as position, speed, or continuous rotation, offering greater flexibility in FTC robot design.
How do I choose the right Multi-Mode Smart Servo for my FTC robot? Use the FAST 200 for quick, lightweight mechanisms and the Standard model for higher torque applications like arms or claws. Matching servo speed and strength to the job helps prevent overheating and keeps performance consistent.
Can I mix Studica Robotics and other components?
Yes. Studica Robotics motors, servos, and accessories are designed for direct compatibility with the Control Hub and Expansion Hub, making them easy to integrate into your existing FTC robot.
See below for key terms referenced throughout this guide.
AWG (American Wire Gauge): Wire thickness standard; smaller numbers mean thicker wire.
Ferrules: Metal sleeves crimped onto wire ends for secure connections.
Multi-Mode Smart Servo 200 – FAST (#75007): High-speed, FTC Legal servo for quick mechanisms.
Powerpole (Anderson PP45): High-current connector rated for 30 A continuous, used for main power distribution.
Servo Power Block (#75006): FTC Legal device that delivers steady 6 V to up to six servos, reducing voltage drops.
Standard Multi-Mode Smart Servo (#75002): Higher-torque, FTC Legal servo for heavy mechanisms like arms or claws.
Telemetry: Real-time data from the Control Hub displayed on the Driver Hub, including battery voltage and motor current.
Reliable power isn’t just about preventing shutdowns; it's the foundation of a competitive FTC robot. Teams that manage battery health, wiring, and motor distribution effectively spend less time troubleshooting mid-match and more time scoring. With consistent power delivery, your FTC robot performs predictably, recovers smoothly from impacts, and gives drivers confidence every match.
