Testing and development programs for the REV Systemcore, Motioncore, and A301 actuator using the WPILib framework. Code in this repo will change frequently as we explore the new control system hardware.
The Systemcore is the next-generation FTC robot controller, replacing the current REV Control Hub. It is powered by a Raspberry Pi CM5 (quad-core ARM Cortex-A76) and runs WPILib-based Java programs. It handles all main processing, I/O, networking, and sensor communication for the robot.
The Motioncore replaces the REV Expansion Hub. It is a CAN bus power and communication distribution board — teams run power from their battery dock through the Motioncore, which then distributes power and CAN communication to motors and smart sensors. It is designed to make wiring simpler and more reliable than the legacy I2C-based system.
The A301 is a new CAN-based brushless motor/actuator developed by FIRST and REV Robotics. It is designed to replace all existing FTC motors and servos. Unlike legacy motors, it communicates over CAN bus, enabling high-speed two-way feedback (position, velocity, current) directly from the device.
| Season | Status |
|---|---|
| 2026–27 | Hardware available for FRC teams (alpha/beta testing) |
| 2027–28 | Legal for FTC competition — Systemcore, Motioncore, and A301 become competition-legal |
| 2027–28 through 2030–31 | Transition period — legacy Control Hub / Expansion Hub system remains legal alongside the new system |
| 2030–31+ | TBD — legacy system phase-out timeline to be announced by FIRST |
WPILib has native integration with Visual Studio Code, making it the easiest way to get started. Install WPILib and it will set up VS Code, the Java JDK, and all required tools automatically.
Once you are comfortable, you can transfer your project to IntelliJ IDEA — this is what Team 16169 uses. IntelliJ requires a bit of extra setup compared to VS Code but offers a more powerful development environment.
Note: Android Studio and the Blocks visual programming environment are not available with the new Systemcore-based control system. All programming is done in Java using WPILib.
For setup, build, and deploy instructions see the wpilibsuite/SystemcoreTesting repo — it has up-to-date guides for getting code onto the Systemcore.
- wpilibsuite/SystemcoreTesting — Official WPILib alpha/beta testing repo for Systemcore and Motioncore
- wpilibsuite/allwpilib — WPILib source and releases
- FIRST Control System Update (FTC Edition) — Official FIRST announcement
- Introducing the FIRST A301 — FIRST A301 actuator announcement
This README was written with the assistance of AI. All robot code in this repository is handmade by Team 16169 Banana Box.