FIRST TECH CHALLENGE

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams use a variety of tools and software to design, program, and manage their robotics projects. Here’s a rundown of some of the key tools and software commonly used by FTC teams:

Programming and Robotics

1. FTC Robot Controller and Driver Station Apps
   • These are essential apps for controlling the robot during competitions. The Robot Controller app runs on the robot’s Android device, while the Driver Station app is used by the team to control the robot.
2. FTC Blocks Programming Tool
   • A user-friendly, graphical tool for programming robots, suitable for beginners.
3. OnBot Java Programming Tool
   • A browser-based Java development tool that allows teams to program in Java without needing Android Studio.
4. Android Studio
   • An integrated development environment (IDE) for creating more complex Java programs for robots.

3D Modeling and Design

Onshape or Autodesk Fusion 360 or SOLIDWORKS

CAD tools that allows teams to design and collaborate on robot parts. It includes a community-created FTC parts library.

Team Management and Collaboration

1. Trello
   • A project management tool that helps teams organize tasks and collaborate effectively.
   • Trello
2. Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Sheets)
   • For document sharing, collaboration, and managing team resources.
   • Google Workspace

Control and Hardware Management

1. REV Hardware Client
   • Used to configure, manage, and update hardware like the Control Hub and Expansion Hub.
   • REV Hardware Resources

These tools and software enable FTC teams to efficiently design, program, and manage their robotics projects, ensuring they are well-prepared for competitions.

FIRST LEGO LEAGUE

Teams participating in the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) use a variety of tools and software to manage their projects, design and program their robots, and communicate effectively. Here are some of the key tools and software commonly used by FLL teams:

Programming and Robotics

1. LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Software
   • Used for programming LEGO robots. Supports both block-based and text-based (Python) programming.
2. LEGO SPIKE Prime
   • Another popular robotics kit and software for programming. Suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

3D Modeling and Design

1. BrickLink Studio
   • A tool for 3D modeling and documentation of LEGO builds. Useful for designing robot attachments and other custom parts.

Team Management and Collaboration

1. Google Drive/Docs/Sheets
   • For file sharing, documentation, and data collection and collaboration among team members.
2. Trello
   • A project management tool that helps teams organize tasks and collaborate effectively.
   • Trello
3. Google Chat
   • For team communication and scheduling with team
4. Whatsapp
   • In our team parents were using Whatsapp, so it was easy for us to setup Parents communication channel

Engineering and Planning

1. Google Docs
   • Used for note-taking and maintaining an engineering journal.
   • Helps document experiments, observations, and project progress.
2. Google Sheets
   • For project planning and timeline management.
   • Helps visualize project milestones and deadlines.
3. Google Slides
   • For presentations

Scoring and Strategy

1. FLL MASTERPIECE Scorer
   • A tool to help teams calculate their scores during practice sessions.
2. FLL MASTERPIECE Strategy Planner
   • Assists teams in planning their strategy for the robot game.

Communication and Meetings

1. Zoom
   • For virtual meetings and communication.

These tools and software help FLL teams to efficiently manage their projects, design and program their robots, and communicate effectively throughout the competition season.