FTC DECODE
Loading FTC DECODE...
Robotics Engineering SCO International

FIRST GLOBAL DECODE

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is an international program that combines STEM education with robotics competition. Teams compete in alliances of two robots.

7-12 Grade (students)
2:30 Minutes (match)
12×12 Feet (field)
18³ Inches (robot)
Register Learn More
First Global Robotics Olympiad
Overview

About FTC DECODE

FIRST Tech Challenge is an international program integrating STEM education with robotics.

"First Global" Robotics Olympiad

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is an international platform focused on developing students skills in robot design, mechanics, and programming. In each match, two alliances (red and blue) compete, with two robots per alliance.

In DECODE, teams place purple and green artifacts into the GOAL, build a PATTERN on the RAMP according to the MOTIF shown by the OBELISK, and return robots to BASE at the end of the match.

01

Robot Design

Design and build a robot that fits inside an 18×18×18 inch cube

02

Programming

Develop software for a 30-second autonomous period and a 2-minute teleop period

03

Teamwork

Build strategy and compete collaboratively in alliance format

04

Innovation

Apply engineering thinking and innovative technical solutions

Competition Details

  • Competition FTC DECODE 2025-2026
  • Direction Robotics Engineering
  • Team composition At least 2 students + 2 mentors
  • Participants Grades 7–12
  • Robot size 18×18×18 inches
  • Max weight 42 lb (with battery)
  • Match duration 2 minutes 30 seconds
  • Alliance 2 robots (red / blue)
  • Motors Maximum 8 (DC + servo)

STEM Education

Hands-on application of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

Team Spirit

Collaborative work and mutual respect based on Gracious Professionalism

Awards

Inspire, Think, Connect, Innovate, Design, and Control categories

Robot Requirements

Technical Specifications

Core technical constraints and requirements for robots

18" × 18" × 18"

Size limit

At start, the robot must fit in an 18×18×18 inch cube

42 lb

Maximum weight

42 lb (including battery) — heavier robots are not allowed

8 DC + Servo

Motor count

Up to 8 motors (DC and servo) with one REV battery

12.0V REV Battery

Power source

One permitted REV battery — voltage must be ≥12.0V

Game Overview

DECODE — About the Game

Two alliances (red and blue) compete in 2.5-minute matches

GOAL OBELISK RED BASE BLUE BASE DEPOT DEPOT 12 ft × 12 ft — 36 soft TILES FIELD ELEMENTS GOAL OBELISK BASE (red/blue) DEPOT Purple ARTIFACT Green ARTIFACT Red ALLIANCE robot Blue ALLIANCE robot MATCH STRUCTURE 30s AUTONOMOUS 2:00 TELEOP 2:30 TOTAL
Competition Stages

Competition Structure

Qualification, alliance selection, and playoff stages

Stage 1 Qualification Matches

Each team usually plays about 5-6 matches. Matchups are generated with random alliances.

  • Each team receives randomly assigned alliance partners
  • Ranking: win-loss-tie, points, and RP
  • All teams compete under equal conditions

Stage 2 Alliance Selection

Top 4 ranked teams become alliance captains and choose partners.

  • Snake draft order: 1-2-3-4-4-3-2-1
  • Each alliance consists of two teams
  • Strategic partner selection is critical

Stage 3 Playoff (Elimination Matches)

Final matches use a best-of-3 format. The losing side is eliminated.

  • Each duel has up to 3 matches — 2 wins required
  • Winning alliance advances to the next round
  • Overall champion is determined in the final
Scoring

Scoring System

Ways to score in AUTONOMOUS and TELEOP periods

Action AUTO (30s) TELEOP (2:00)
LEAVE (cross Launch Line) 3 3
CLASSIFIED ARTIFACT 3 1
OVERFLOW — 1
MOTIF match 2 2
Partial BASE — 5
Complete BASE — 10
2 robots fully in BASE — +10 bonus

Ranking Points (RP)

RP type How earned
MOVEMENT RP LEAVE + BASE total 16 points
GOAL RP 36 via ARTIFACT SQUARE
PATTERN RP 18 PATTERN points
Win 3 RP
Tie 1 RP
Penalties

Penalties and Sanctions

Penalties applied for rule violations

MINOR FOUL

+5 points to opponent

Penalty for a minor violation

MAJOR FOUL

+15 points to opponent

Penalty for a major violation

YELLOW CARD

Warning

First serious warning

RED CARD

Disqualification

Team removed from the match

Awards

Award Categories

All teams participate in a 10+ minute judges interview

Inspire Award

Highest team award for all-around excellence

Think Award

For outstanding engineering notebook and strategic thinking

Connect Award

For strong community engagement and partnership building

Innovate Award

For the most innovative robot design and technical solution

Design Award

For industry-level robot design and aesthetics

Control Award

For software excellence and sensor integration

Safety

Safety Rules

Mandatory safety requirements within the competition area

Safety Glasses

Safety glasses are mandatory in pit area operations

Closed Shoes

All participants must wear closed-toe footwear

Tied Hair

Long hair must be secured in the work area

Gracious Professionalism

Maintain respect and professional conduct at all times

SCO International

Join the "First Global" Robotics Olympiad!

Join FTC DECODE 2025-2026 with your team. Design, program, and compete internationally!

Register now Download Regulations
Contact: Butahanov Ziyodulla +998 91 110 79 50 · @ziyodulla_b