Java for FTC

This camp focuses on teaching participants how to program TeleOp controls for FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robots using Java. Based on the Learn Java for FTC guide, students will gain a solid understanding of Java programming fundamentals and apply them to control robot hardware during TeleOp operation. By the end of the camp, participants will be proficient in writing and debugging TeleOp programs for FTC robots.

Camp Overview

• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Focus: TeleOp programming for FTC robots
• Tools: Android Studio, FTC SDK, Learn Java for FTC Guide
• What You’ll Learn:
  • Java programming basics: variables, loops, conditionals, and methods
  • Object-oriented programming: classes, objects, and methods
  • TeleOp programming: gamepad controls for motors, servos, and sensors
  • Debugging and testing TeleOp code

5-Day Camp Schedule

Day 1: Getting Started with Java and FTC Programming

• Morning: Introduction to Java and FTC Programming
  • Overview of Java programming and its role in FTC robotics.
  • Set up the programming environment (Android Studio and FTC SDK).
  • Understand the structure of an FTC project and basic file navigation.
• Afternoon: Java Basics - Variables and Data Types
  • Learn about Java data types (int, double, boolean, String).
  • Practice declaring and using variables in Java.
  • Hands-on Activity: Write a program to display basic telemetry (robot status data).

Day 2: Control Structures and Hardware Mapping

• Morning: Conditionals and Loops
  • Learn how to use if, else, and else if statements for decision-making.
  • Explore loops (for, while) for repetitive tasks.
  • Hands-on Activity: Write a program to display different messages based on input conditions.
• Afternoon: FTC Hardware Mapping
  • Understand how robot hardware is configured using the hardwareMap object.
  • Learn how to initialize and control motors, servos, and sensors in TeleOp.
  • Hands-on Activity: Write a simple TeleOp program to control a motor with gamepad input.

Day 3: Methods, Classes, and TeleOp Programming

• Morning: Methods and Functions
  • Learn how to define and call methods in Java.
  • Understand method parameters and return values.
  • Hands-on Activity: Write reusable methods to control motors and servos.
• Afternoon: Classes and Objects
  • Introduction to object-oriented programming (OOP).
  • Learn about classes and objects and how to use them for robot programming.
  • Hands-on Activity: Create a custom Robot class to encapsulate hardware configurations and TeleOp methods.

Day 4: Advanced TeleOp Programming and Sensor Integration

• Morning: Advanced TeleOp Programming
  • Combine multiple gamepad inputs (joysticks, buttons, triggers) for complex robot control.
  • Learn how to map gamepad inputs to specific robot actions (e.g., motor speeds, servo positions).
  • Hands-on Activity: Write a TeleOp program to control a robot with multiple subsystems (e.g., drivetrain and arm).
• Afternoon: Sensor Integration
  • Introduction to sensors (e.g., touch sensors, distance sensors, gyroscopes).
  • Learn how to use sensor data to enhance TeleOp performance (e.g., stopping motors when a touch sensor is pressed).
  • Hands-on Activity: Add sensor-based logic to your TeleOp program.

Day 5: Final TeleOp Project and Showcase

• Morning: Final TeleOp Project Development
  • Design and program a complete TeleOp routine for a robot that includes:
    • Drivetrain control (e.g., tank drive or arcade drive).
    • Subsystem control (e.g., arms, claws, or other mechanisms).
    • Sensor-based enhancements for better control and feedback.
• Afternoon: Project Showcase and Wrap-Up
  • Test and debug your final TeleOp program.
  • Showcase your project to the group and demonstrate its functionality.
  • Celebrate your achievements and discuss next steps in learning FTC programming.

What You’ll Gain

• A strong foundation in Java programming and object-oriented principles.
• Hands-on experience programming TeleOp routines for FTC robots.
• Practical skills in debugging and optimizing robot code for real-world use.
• A final TeleOp project that demonstrates your coding and robotics skills.

Join us for this TeleOp-focused robotics programming camp and take your FTC robotics skills to the next level!