2025 Legal Devices
October 25, 2024
We’re back with part 2 of the event and robot rules preview. As mentioned in part 1, the rules are not yet finalized, and the purpose of these blogs is to communicate the rough draft of rule changes we think are most likely to affect team purchasing decisions prior to the season. Teams should read the Game Manual carefully after the 2027 FIRST® Robotics Competition Kickoff to understand the details of all changes.
Rules changes
Some additional rule changes not covered in part 1:
- Relays will be removed from the approved power regulating devices. Systemcore is not designed to trigger relays. Pneumatics use should migrate to dedicated pneumatics control devices and other use should migrate to motor controllers or pneumatics controllers.
- Systemcore is not designed to power servos directly. In addition to the previously legal REV Servo Hub and REV Servo Power Module, the GoBilda 6V Servo Power Injector (3125-0001-0001) and Studica Servo Power Block (75006) will be added as legal methods of powering servos.
- The 2027 equivalent of R623 will be rewritten to clarify that COTS connectors must be used for circuits other than SIGNAL LEVEL or CUSTOM CIRCUITS. In other words, custom PCB connections are prohibited on all motor circuits.
New Legal Devices
The following new devices will be approved for use in the 2026-2027 season:
Andymark Koors40 CAN
The Koors40 CAN from AndyMark builds on the original Koors40 brushed motor controller by adding CAN control while retaining standard and extended range PWM input. Built-in overcurrent and temperature protection help keep the controller running reliably in demanding applications, while CAN connectivity gives teams additional control and integration options. You can learn more about the device on the AndyMark product page.
Littelfuse 120 Amp Circuit Breaker
The Littelfuse 120 Amp Circuit Breaker (185120) has been approved for use this season. This main circuit breaker provides teams with an additional option which may be available from local auto parts retailers in some geographies.
ThriftyBot Thrifty Power Hub
The Thrifty PowerHub is a newly approved main power distribution device. It features 24 ATO-sized channels with spring-loaded lever lock connectors in addition to a screw terminal input which supports up to 0AWG wire. It also includes current logging over CAN or USB on every channel as an added debugging benefit for the robot. More information can be found on the product page.
ThriftyBot Thrifty Breakers
Thrifty Breakers are a new way to power your mechanisms. These breakers come in 40A, 30A, 20A, and 10A variants. These fit in standard ATO channels and are compatible with all currently released power distribution devices. They also come in fun Thrifty Bot colors! More information can be found on the product page.
REV Robotics SPARK Lite
The REV Robotics SPARK Lite Motor Controller is a low cost controller designed to provide the essential features to easily drive high-powered motors. It is capable of driving any standalone FIRST Robotics Competition brushless or brushed motor. 1/2in grid mounting holes make the compact controller compatible with many standard FIRST Robotics Competition building systems. More information can be found on the REV Robotics product page.
Vivid Technologies VH-109 Robot Radio V2
Vivid-Hosting has rebranded as Vivid Technologies. The newly released Robot Radio V2 offers several improvements over the V1 and V1.5 Robot radios, such as support for 5 GHz, better thermal management, better visibility of the status LEDs, improved wireless performance, and support for active PoE (802.3at). Vivid Technologies and FIRST® will continue to support the use of V1 and V1.5 models of the radio at official events (other than China). V2 radios will be provided in the Kit of Parts this season in all Rookie Totes and to all teams in China and will be used as the exclusive robot radio for the events taking place in China.