Stage 1C Overview
If you’ve watched matches from any recent FRC game, you’ll notice that robots typically have to align quite precisely with a field element to score. Take this example from the 2026 kitbot reveal (at 0:16).
In 2026, robots had to align with the hub to successfully shoot fuel. In 2025, robots had to line up with branches on the reef to place coral. To execute these tasks, teams run automatic positioning programs rather than burdening the driver with precise maneuvers. In Stage 1C, you will learn fundamental concepts pertaining to robot control algorithms and how to log data from your robot beyond simple print statements.
Key Concepts
Section titled “Key Concepts”Mechanisms have “states” such as position, rotation, velocity, and acceleration. A PID controller is an equation which takes a desired mechanism state, compares it to the current state, and returns an output voltage to the motors so that the mechanism can get to the desired state. By properly “tuning” a PID controller, you can make a mechanism quickly and precisely change state.
Telemetry is the process of recording and sending live data about your robot to a live output and/or log file. Telemetry is vital to troubleshooting, gauging robot performance, and keeping your drive team informed as matches progress.
Stage 1C Goals
Section titled “Stage 1C Goals”By the end of Stage 1C, you’ll program a feature which enables your kitbot’s drivetrain to automatically and smoothly turn in place towards any given angle. In other words, your kitbot will be able to aim towards the hub on its own. You will also be able to read data from your kitbot via logging with telemetry.
This stage will cover the following topics:
- WIP