FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) and FVC (FIRST VEX Challenge)

Started in 2005, FVC (FIRST Vex Challenge) was FIRST’s newest competition. Similar to FRC, FVC was also directed toward high school students with all of the same FIRST ideals and spirit. However, the primary purpose of FVC was to reach more students through its more affordable and accessible nature. This was partially achieved by making the primary competition material a significantly upgraded version of the FIRST Robovation Kit, now known as the Vex Robotics Design System.

Despite its recent beginnings, FVC quickly grew to accommodate over 400 teams and some 4,000 students in 2006. Unlike its older counterpart, FVC does not include the same time limitations on robot construction as FRC since the game is released around September and competitions commence in November and run until March. A championship event is then held simultaneously with that of FRC in Atlanta, Georgia during late April.

This year, FVC was discontinued in favor of FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge). Although largely similar, FTC will potentially use a different construction platform in the future despite currently continuing the use of VEX.

What is the Vex Robotics Design System?

The Vex Robotics Design System was developed from the FIRST Robovation Kit through collaboration between FIRST, Innovation First and Radioshack. It is comprised of prefabricated versions of several robotics elements and includes everything from metal and motors to keps nuts and screws. Programming the Vex bots is often done through the EasyC program which greatly simplifies the process through its innovative and friendly “drag and drop” interface.