2025-2026 DECODE presented by RTX Kickoff Broadcast

Summary

The 2025-2026 FIRST Tech Challenge season kickoff introduces the Decode game, presented by RTX and part of the First Age season supported by Qualcomm. This year's theme is an archaeology-inspired STEM adventure, encouraging teams to unlock the mysteries of the past. Key messages emphasize the importance of gracious professionalism, teamwork, and innovation, with support from sponsors like Qualcomm and RTX. The Decode game involves autonomous and driver-controlled phases, including collecting and scoring artifacts, with exciting strategies for collaboration and competition. Teams are encouraged to explore resources and get started with various tools and starter robots available on the First Tech Challenge website.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 2025-2026 FIRST Tech Challenge season, 'Decode', is officially kicked off and presented by RTX, with support from Qualcomm and other sponsors.
• 😀 The Decode season involves over 83,000 participants around the world, and is an archaeology-inspired STEM adventure to uncover the mysteries of our past.
• 😀 The game 'Decode' encourages teams to practice gracious professionalism, which emphasizes high-quality work, respect for others, and the value of the community.
• 😀 Teams are encouraged to use the FIRST Tech Challenge website throughout the season for game materials and updates, as well as strategies and support.
• 😀 Qualcomm's involvement highlights their long-standing partnership with FIRST, helping to inspire future innovators in STEM and technology.
• 😀 RTX showcases innovations like remote sensing and sonar technology, which are similar to those used by archaeologists, tying into the theme of uncovering artifacts.
• 😀 Gracious professionalism is a core value emphasized by FIRST, where participants are encouraged to make thoughtful decisions and demonstrate kindness and integrity.
• 😀 The Decode game will feature two alliances, each consisting of two teams, where robots work together in different matches, sometimes as partners and other times as opponents.
• 😀 Robots must adhere to the size constraints of an 18-inch cube, and strategic planning is required for autonomous and driver-controlled portions of the game.
• 😀 The field setup includes scoring goals, ramps, classifiers, and gates, with specific locations for artifacts and dynamic elements like the obelisk, which indicates scoring patterns.
• 😀 The FIRST Tech Challenge encourages creative problem-solving and teamwork through resources like starter robots, coding simulators, and team resources, helping teams get up to speed for the season.

Q & A

What is the theme of the 2025-2026 First Tech Challenge season?

The theme of the 2025-2026 First Tech Challenge season is 'Decode,' presented by RTX. The game is inspired by archaeology, where robots are tasked with uncovering the mysteries of the past.

Who are the hosts for the First Tech Challenge 2025-2026 season kickoff event?

The hosts for the kickoff event are the 2025 Dean's List award winners, who are leading the celebration and the reveal of the Decode game.

What is the role of Qualcomm in the 2025-2026 season?

Qualcomm is the presenting sponsor for the First Tech Challenge 2025-2026 season. They have been a partner for 20 years, supporting the innovation and growth of First programs and inspiring future visionaries.

How does RTX contribute to the 2025-2026 season of First Tech Challenge?

RTX is the presenting sponsor for the Decode season. They showcase technologies like underwater acoustics and remote sensing, which are similar to those used by archaeologists to uncover artifacts. RTX is also involved in mentoring teams and advancing STEM education.

What does 'gracious professionalism' mean in the context of the First Tech Challenge?

'Gracious professionalism' refers to a mindset that promotes high-quality work, respect for others, and positive contributions to the community. It encourages teams to compete hard but also to be kind, cooperative, and ethical, both on and off the field.

What happens during the autonomous period of a First Tech Challenge match?

During the first 30 seconds of a match, robots operate autonomously, using sensors to decode the motif pattern, leave the starting line, and score artifacts in the goal. Points are awarded when artifacts enter the goal and exit to the classifier ramp.

How are points scored in the Decode game?

Points are scored by collecting and scoring artifacts in the alliance's goal, with additional points for matching the motif pattern during the autonomous period. The endgame also provides points for robots returning to their base and expanding in height.

What are the field elements used in the Decode game?

The Decode field includes a foam tile floor, red and blue alliance goals, a classifier ramp, an obelisk for motif selection, and artifacts (purple and green plastic spheres) that robots collect and score. There are also gates and April tags used for targeting and navigation.

What are 'starter bots' and how are they used in the Decode season?

Starter bots are pre-designed robot kits that help teams get started with the Decode season. They are intended as a starting point for teams to build upon. Teams can modify and improve their robots throughout the season, and these bots are equipped with basic functionality to participate in the Decode game.

What is FTC SIM and how does it assist teams in preparing for the Decode game?

FTC SIM is a virtual tool that allows teams to simulate and code robots for the Decode game. It helps users learn basic movement, sensor usage, and more advanced robotics skills through puzzles and virtual field interactions, making it easier for teams to practice and experiment before building their physical robots.