Stage 02 of 04 · Builder
Competition Robotics: VEX V5 / FRC / FTC
Run a real season. Win some matches.
What students learn
What it takes to run a competition robotics season at the V5 / FTC / FRC level — strategy, CAD, fabrication, code (Python/Java/C++), driver practice, scouting, and the engineering notebook that wins judged awards.
Real engineering project management. CAD-then-build discipline. Calm under match pressure. Mentorship instincts. The off-season habit of mentoring the next team.
Module-by-module
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01
Strategy
Game analysis, scoring math, alliance picking. Strategy doc.
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02
CAD the robot
Onshape or Fusion. Full CAD assembly before metal.
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03
Build v1
Fabricate, assemble, wire. Driveable v1.
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04
Code v1
Driver controls + first auto. Working at scrimmage.
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05
Iterate
Every match teaches you something. Revision log.
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06
Engineering notebook
Week-by-week, judges-ready. Notebook complete.
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07
Drive practice
Repetition + scoring drills. Measured improvement.
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08
Scouting & alliance
Pit + match scouting. Scouting database.
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09
Regional / state
Compete. Results + post-mortem.
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10
Off-season build
Keep going, mentor the next team.
What they make
A competition-ready robot, an engineering notebook judges can read, and a season's worth of match data + lessons.
Walk away with
Project management as a habit. Mentorship instincts. Composure under pressure.
Free resources we recommend
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π₯
WPILib "Zero to Robot"
The FRC programming bible.
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π₯
VEX Education STEM Labs
Same org that runs the V5 / EXP competitions.
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π₯
FTC programming + FTC SIM
Free sanctioned simulator.
Honorable mentions
Next step
Innovator project (robotics-flavored) or mentoring a younger team.