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.
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.
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®.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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:
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.
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!
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.
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.
Feature | Hex Shaft | D-Shaft |
Improved Torque Transfer | Six 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 Components | Prevents 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. |
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:
Now that you know the benefits of these components, here are some tips on incorporating them effectively into your robot.
Try different setups in your next build practice! See which configuration gives you the most control and power for your INTO THE DEEP tasks.
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!
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.
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:
Force is measured in newtons (N), and speed is the rate at which the actuator extends. Choose according to your needs:
Here’s a breakdown of Studica Robotics’ linear servo RC actuators:
Control Signal |
| PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) | |||||
Frequency | 50 Hz | ||||||
Voltage (VDC) | 6VDC | ||||||
Linear Servo RC Actuator | |||||||
Part # | |||||||
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
![]() | ![]() |
Bronze Medal
Medallion for Excellence Recipients Teams that scored 700 or more points and achieved an exceptional level of excellence receive the Medallion for Excellence:
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.
![]() | ![]() |
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:
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.
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!
![]() | ![]() |