FTC Autonomous Programming

FTC Autonomous Programming
Ages 12–18

In FTC Autonomous Programming, students explore how robots can make decisions and complete tasks without direct driver control. Using FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics platforms, participants will learn how programmers create autonomous routines that allow robots to navigate, move, and perform actions independently during competition.

Students will build upon their programming knowledge by learning how to create step-by-step robot instructions, control movement sequences, and use sensors to gather information about the robot's environment. Through hands-on coding activities and robotics challenges, participants will develop autonomous programs that enable robots to complete tasks with accuracy and consistency.

Throughout the workshop, students will gain experience with robotics software development, computational thinking, testing strategies, and engineering problem-solving while learning how autonomous systems are used in robotics, transportation, manufacturing, and other technology fields.

What Students Will Learn

• Introduction to autonomous robotics systems
• FTC autonomous programming fundamentals
• Creating step-by-step robot routines
• Programming timed and sensor-based actions
• Using sensors to gather and process data
• Decision-making and conditional programming
• Variables, functions, and code organization
• Testing and refining autonomous routines
• Debugging and troubleshooting techniques
• Engineering design and systems thinking
• Teamwork and collaboration skills

Final Project
Students will design, program, and demonstrate an autonomous FTC robot routine that completes a series of tasks without driver input, showcasing their understanding of robot control, sensor integration, and autonomous decision-making.

Registration Requirement
This program is open to students ages 12–18.

The only requirement to participate is obtaining a Member Card. Both the student and a parent/guardian must complete the Member Card registration using the link below before attending the workshop.

Member Card Registration:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8IUZPLZimeX4tKToVtJMBryjSCXJQH7RBY3G1yxROe7EwzQ/viewform

Please ensure that both the student and parent/guardian complete the registration process before the start of the program.