FTC Programming with OnBot Java

FTC Programming with OnBot Java
Ages 12–18

In FTC Programming with OnBot Java, students explore text-based programming for robotics using OnBot Java, the web-based development environment used in FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC). Participants will learn how professional robotics teams write, organize, and manage code that controls robot behavior, movement, and interactions during competition.

Students will build upon their foundational programming knowledge by transitioning from block-based coding to Java, one of the most widely used programming languages in software development, engineering, and robotics. Through hands-on coding activities and robotics challenges, participants will learn how to write programs, create reusable code, manage robot hardware, and develop software solutions for FTC robots.

Throughout the workshop, students will gain experience with real-world programming practices while developing computational thinking, problem-solving abilities, and software engineering skills that can be applied to robotics, computer science, and future technology careers.

What Students Will Learn

• Introduction to OnBot Java and the FTC development environment
• Writing and editing Java programs for robotics
• Understanding classes, methods, and program structure
• Variables, data types, and operators
• Loops, conditionals, and decision-making logic
• Controlling motors, servos, and robot hardware
• Reading sensor data and responding to inputs
• Code organization and software development best practices
• Testing, debugging, and troubleshooting programs
• Computational thinking and engineering problem-solving
• Career pathways in robotics, software engineering, and computer science

Final Project
Students will develop and present a Java-based FTC robot program that demonstrates their understanding of programming fundamentals, hardware control, sensor integration, and software design using the OnBot Java development environment.

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.