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    0 Take Flight with SR Drone TS7: Mini Drone for Fun & Learning
    Compact, durable, and powerful, the SR Drone TS7 mini drone is the perfect tool for beginners or anyone curious about exploring the skies.
    0 Dive Into REEFSCAPE℠ from FIRST® Robotics Competition

    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

    2025 FIRST Robotics Competition REEFSCAPE presented by Haas 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.

    Reefscape Arena for FIRST Robotics Competition  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.  

    Flex Wheels, Compliant Wheels, Intake Wheels from Studica Robotics 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.  

     

     

    navX2-MXP Robotics Navigation Sensor

    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 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-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!  

    0 Exploring V Rail Applications to Elevate Your Robotics Projects

    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 you’re 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 you're 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.

    T-Slot 3030 V-RailEngineered 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!

    0 Essential Odometry Tips for Your FTC Robot
    Check out these helpful odometry tips for your FTC robot and learn how to build an odometry system using the Cypher MAX and Omni Wheels.
    0 Slide Rail Applications for the FTC INTO THE DEEP Challenge
    Many tasks this FTC season demand extensive reach, precision, and reliability, which can be achieved using slide rail applications.
    0 Hex Shaft Motion Components from Studica Robotics

    FTC teams have spoken, and we listened! We are thrilled to introduce Studica Robotics hex shaft motion components, engineered to enhance torque, stability, and precision and keep your robot competition-ready and performing at its best.

    HEX Shaft Motion ComponentsWhy Choose Hex Shafts?

    A hex shaft’s six-sided design offers significant advantages over round shafts and even D-shaft components, particularly for transmitting power. These advantages include improved torque transfer, anti-rotation between components, and greater contact area. Imagine tackling a high-torque challenge like lifting heavy game elements without risking slippage. Hex shafts allow your robot to grip confidently and handle important tasks with ease. Here’s a quick comparison of different shafts to highlight why hex shafts provide more stability and durability for FTC competition tasks.

     

    Hex Shaft vs. D-Shaft Comparison Summary

    FeatureHex ShaftD-Shaft
    Improved Torque TransferSix contact points ensure even load distribution, reducing slippage and failures in high-torque tasks like pushing or lifting.Limited surface contact makes it more prone to wear or slippage. Requires frequent maintenance for reliability during matches.
    Anti-Rotation Between ComponentsPrevents slippage between shafts and hubs, maintaining precise alignment in high-load components like wheel hubs.One contact point resists rotation but can create failure points if not perfectly fitted, leading to misalignment in precision tasks.
    Greater Contact Area Offers more contact points that provide a secure grip, minimizing slippage and wear over time. Ideal for mechanisms with varying torque loads.Two points of contact increase slippage risk under heavy loads, leading to potential mechanical failure.

     

    Key Components for FTC Teams

    HEX Shaft Motion Components from Studica Robotics When it comes to building a well-rounded, competitive robot, having the right components is essential. Here are a few Studica Robotics hex-shaft components to consider:

    • Axles & Shafts:  Perfect for tough maneuvers like pushing against obstacles or lifting heavy game elements. Hex axles provide a reliable structure for transferring power without slipping, so your robot stays strong and stable in high-pressure situations, like endgame lifts.
    • Bearings & Bushings:  These reduce friction in your drivetrain and other moving parts, making each movement smoother. By minimizing energy loss to friction, your robot can operate longer, which is crucial for matches that demand endurance and precision.
    • Collars:  Hex collars lock your components in place, ensuring they stay secure and don’t shift along the shaft. This stability prevents slippage during quick maneuvers or direction changes, maintaining reliable control during complex tasks like rapid turning or lifting.
    • Couplings:  When your design needs extra reach, couplings let you join two shafts without sacrificing alignment or power transmission. Ideal for extending arms or lift systems, so your robot reaches new heights while maintaining smooth operation.
    • Gears:  Hex gears provide consistent, powerful control of your drive system and lift mechanisms. With our gears, you get reliable torque transfer that keeps your robot moving efficiently and precisely in high-torque applications like climbing or pushing.
    •  Hubs:  Hubs connect wheels, gears, and pulleys to hex shafts securely. This precise alignment minimizes wobble, so your wheels and gears rotate smoothly—essential for consistent performance in driving and maneuvering.
    • Pulleys:  Use pulleys to transfer power smoothly across belt-driven systems. With controlled, steady motion, pulleys make complex mechanisms like lifting arms and multi-axis systems operate with precision and reliability.
    • Spacers:  Spacers ensure proper alignment between components, reducing friction and preventing parts from rubbing against each other. By keeping everything in place, spacers help extend the lifespan of your components and maintain smooth operation in every match.

    Maximizing Hex Shaft Performance: Key Tips

    Now that you know the benefits of these components, here are some tips on incorporating them effectively into your robot.

    • Plan Your Layout: Consider how the shaft will interact with other components, ensuring there’s enough space for bearings, gears, and collars.
    • Secure All Connections: A solid connection between the hex shaft and other parts is critical. Use collars and secure fasteners to prevent slippage during operation.
    • Experiment with Configurations: Hex shafts allow for flexibility in design. Test different configurations to find the best setup for your robot’s tasks.

    Try different setups in your next build practice! See which configuration gives you the most control and power for your INTO THE DEEP tasks.

    Take Your Build to the Next Level

    Hex shaft components deliver unmatched durability, reliability, and performance for FTC robots. From powering drive systems to perfecting lifting mechanisms, Studica Robotics motion components give you a competitive edge. Ready to power up? Explore our full line of hex shaft motion components and equip your team with tools for victory!

    0 Meet the FTC Starter Kit (2024-2025) from Studica Robotics!
    Get ready to dive into the 2024-2025 FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) season with the FTC Starter Kit from Studica Robotics!
    0 How to Choose the Best Actuator for Your FTC Robot

    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: Linear Servo Actuator Comparison

      • 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!

     

    Control Signal

     

    PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)

    Frequency

    50 Hz

    Voltage (VDC)

    6VDC

    Linear Servo RC Actuator

    50S-190N

    50S-40N

    140S-95N*

    140S-190N

    140S-40N

    Part #

    75011

    75012

    75013

    75014

    75015

    Stroke Length (mm)

    50mm

    140mm

    Gear Ratio

    150:1

    36:1

    63:1

    150:1

    36:1

    No Load

    Speed (mm/s)

    6

    24

    13

    6

    24

    Current (mA)

    150

    150

    150

    150

    150

    Max Efficiency Point

    Load (N)

    75

    16

    30

    75

    16

    Speed (mm/s)

    5

    20

    11

    5

    20

    Current (mA)

    360

    360

    360

    360

    360

    Peak Power Point

    Load (N)

    170

    30

    66

    170

    30

    Speed (mm/s)

    3.3

    17

    8

    3.3

    17

    Current (mA)

    560

    560

    560

    560

    560

    Max Force

    Load (N)

    190

    40

    95

    190

    40

    Speed (mm/s)

    2.5

    14

    5

    2.5

    14

    Current (mA)

    820

    620

    850

    820

    620

    Stall Torque (N)

    325

    50

    150

    325

    50

    Stall Current (A)

    1

    1

    1

    1

    1

    Max Static Force (N)

    190

    40

    100

    190

    40

    Weight (g)

    65

    65

    96

    96

    96

    Stroke Repeatability (mm)

    ±0.5

    Max Side Load (N)

    10

    Operating Temperature Range (˚C)

    -10 ~+50

    Storage Temperature Range (˚C)

    -10 ~+50

    Wire Length (mm)

    340

    Connector

    2.54mm Dupont 3-Pin Female

    *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!  

    0 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.
    0 WorldSkills Lyon Autonomous Mobile Robotics Competition Results

    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
    Team China WorldSkills Lyon 2024Team Korea WorldSkills AMR

    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.

    WorldSkills Lyon Robots in Agriculture 1WorldSkills Lyon Robots in Agriculture 2

    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. WorldSkills Lyon 2024 Competition Field

    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!

    Studica Robotics has been proudly supporting WorldSkills since 2014, and we're excited to take it to the next level! A Global Partner and the exclusive product supplier for the WorldSkills Mobile Robotics Competition, we are honored to have played our part in WorldSkills Lyon 2024.  We can't wait for Shanghai 2026! The Studica Robotics building system offers everything from controllers and sensors to mechanical structure components and electronics, powering students, and competitors worldwide. With strong, affordable, and compatible parts, Studica Robotics allows you to Build Better Robots®. See you in Shanghai in 2026!
    WorldSkills Lyon Robots in Agriculture 3WorldSkills Lyon Robots in Agriculture 4