FTC- no NXT, no Robot-C, no samantha

[BenDSterling]

If you haven't heard already, for the 2015-2016 FTC season there will be a HUGE change in technology. Lego has discontinued the NXT, so FTC will be switching over from a NXT based system to an android based system.
Replacing the NXT will be an Java based andoid platform power by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 Processor. This is a huge improvement over the NXT.
The new system will communicate with Wifi direct. The driver station and robot will communicate directly. Signals will no longer go through the FCS. This means that only the drivers will have control over the robot. When time is up the robots will no longer stop on their own, so judges will have to carefully watch to be sure that no points are scored after the time is up.
Android’s native programming environment is Java. FIRST teams will have several Java options including a basic Application (App) that includes a configuration wizard, full text based Java programming, and MIT App Inventor. Teams will no longer use RobotC or LabVIEW
The central control system including the field control computer, field mounted joysticks and cabling, and router will no longer be used. Teams will compete at events via a direct, point-to-point connection between their two devices powered by Snapdragon processors. One of these devices will be mounted to the robot; the other will serve as the driver’s station. The driver’s station Android device will be wired to one or two driver control Logitech Gamepads, the same ones currently used in FTC. The new platform should allow teams to more quickly get started competing at events. Teams will no longer need their Samantha devices “flashed” with event passwords or need to test their robots on the competition field control system.
The new system will be demonstrated at the FIRST championship in St. Louis, MO.
You can learn more here:
- official FIRST press release
- FTC Technology FAQ
- FTC tech Talk: introduction