Updates on the Future Robot Controller

Photo credit to Google Gemini

It’s been a few months since we announced the selection for the future robot controller for FIRST^® Tech Challenge and FIRST^® Robotics Competition. Since then, there has been very exciting development on both SystemCore and MotionCore. This post will focus on SystemCore, and we will provide more updates on MotionCore soon.

SystemCore hardware testing is proceeding on schedule, including both detailed testing of individual systems on the board as well as full testing on representative FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge robots.

While final details remain subject to change based on continued testing, we wanted to share a more complete picture of the details of the SystemCore device. SystemCore is approximately the size of a large smartphone and is designed to reduce device count and size for most teams while remaining flexible for teams that want to push the envelope. 

SystemCore contains the following I/O connectors:

• 5x CAN-FD ports using Weidmuller wire-to-board connectors
• 6x SmartIO ports using 3 pin Molex-SL connectors, capable of flexing between analog input, digital input (including PWM or quadrature), digital output, and PWM output
• 2x I2C ports using 4 pin Molex-SL connectors
• 4x USB 3.0-A ports
• 1x USB-C device port for tethering or emergency recovery
• 1x Ethernet port
• 1x Power Input using Weidmuller wire-to-board connectors
• 1x RSL port using 2 pin Molex-SL connectors
• 1x MotionCore bridge port using a 4 pin Molex Microfit+ connector. When used with MotionCore, this port provides power to SystemCore and CAN communication between MotionCore and SystemCore.

In addition to this I/O, SystemCore has the following hardware features:

• Built-in IMU for use with robot odometry and localization
• M.2 A+E port compatible with Hailo-8 AI Accelerator
• Integrated 2.4GHZ/5GHz WiFi wireless radio for use by FIRST Tech Challenge in competition, and by both programs outside of competition, whether in the workshop or on the road at demos and off-season competition

In addition to the progress on hardware testing, software development is also proceeding at a rapid pace. A major point of emphasis in the software for this new platform is lowering barriers to entry. While members of the WPILib team and FIRST Tech Challenge Tech team are working on how to lower barriers to entry when writing robot code, Limelight has been working on the SystemCore web interface which will be a team’s central hub for a variety of functions including:

• Device configuration including WiFi set up, team number setting, and more
• Hosted on-robot coding including Blockly, Java, and Python
• Accessing built-in display of sensor values including both the integrated IMU and devices connected to the SmartIO ports.

One of the folks working on software development for SystemCore recently took a test robot to a FIRST Robotics Competition event to test the robot using the Field Management System (FMS). The robot ran well, with all aspects of the FMS working correctly.

Alpha Testing

Hardware and Software Alpha testing will begin later this year. Alpha testing for FIRST Robotics Competition will likely begin in June, with Alpha testing for FIRST Tech Challenge starting in September. We are looking for between 50 and 100 teams in each program who are interested in participating. Teams who are interested in participating in either phase of the Alpha test can complete this interest form.

Applications for consideration in the initial FIRST Robotics Competition focused wave of testing are due by May 2nd. A later application deadline for participation in the fall FIRST Tech Challenge focused wave of testing will be included in future communication. Special consideration will be given to FIRST programs that operate both FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge teams.

We look forward to sharing more updates on progress prior to the start of Alpha testing in June!