Future Robot Control System Update
July 16, 2024
You’ve asked and we’ve listened: Onshape’s CAM Studio Beta is now available for FIRST® Robotics Competition teams!
The FIRST® community has embraced Onshape as a CAD and data management solution for designing competitive robots, and we’re excited to provide teams with even more functionality that can help turn digital designs into physical parts.
CAM Studio Key Features
CAM Studio is a Computer Aided Manufacturing solution. CAM tools like CAM Studio translate a 3D design into machine-readable code that an automated machine tool, like a CNC milling machine, can interpret. This allows teams to design a part in Onshape, enter various settings about the machine that will produce the part, and create the G-code the machine requires.
CAM Studios can be created in Onshape documents the same way you create Part Studios or Assemblies. They integrate fully with the real-time collaboration and version control features that teams are familiar with. CAM Studio currently features 2.5 and 3-axis machining capabilities, machine verification and simulation, and more. Teams should note that CAM Studio is still in Beta and should thus take standard precautionary measures when testing new post-processors, tool paths, and machining strategies on their CNC machines. Slow feed rates and air cuts are good safety precautions to start with.
Accessing CAM Studio for your FIRST Robotics Competition Team
FIRST Robotics Competition teams that are using Onshape can upgrade their existing Educator plans to include CAM Studio by filling out the form linked below:
This form requires a verification code that can be found in the Lead Coaches’ FIRST Dashboard as part of the Virtual Kit of Parts Vouchers. Please note that this upgrade will not expire, so you will only need to fill out this form once for your team.
Once upgraded, every member of your team’s Educator plan - mentors and students alike - will have access to CAM Studio. Every member of your team can also check out the Introduction to CAM Studio Course on our Learning Center.
Getting Started with Onshape
If your team is looking for a CAD and data management solution for this season, Onshape is free, cloud-based, and collaborative. You can use it on any device, including Macs and Chromebooks, and signing up is fast and simple at onshape.com/edu. The FIRST community has produced high-quality training materials that your team can use as well - check out FRCDesign.org to learn more.
Best of luck with the 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition Season, REBUILT™ presented by Haas. We can’t wait to see what you design and create with Onshape!
Blog written by: Drew Bennett, PTC EDU Senior Solutions Engineer and Mentor of FIRST Robotics Competition Team 6329
Onshape is a Crown Supplier of FIRST