Raising the Floor or Raising the Costs? The FTC Systemcore Hardware Debate

The introduction of Motioncore (alongside Systemcore) is one of the biggest architectural shifts in FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) control system history. Developed as part of the next-generation control system ecosystem in collaboration with Limelight and FIRST, Motioncore specifically transforms power distribution and actuator communication on FTC robots.

In the legacy control architecture, the REV Control Hub and Expansion Hub managed both general processing, sensors, and direct power/PWM signal routing to motors and servos.

Under the next-gen architecture, processing and power/actuation are split:

Systemcore: Handles main high-level robot processing, computational logic, and primary sensor I/O (replacing the Control Hub processing functions).

Motioncore: Serves as the dedicated power and CAN (Controller Area Network) communication distribution hub. It connects to the new FIRST A301 Actuators (integrated CAN-based smart brushless motors) and smart sensors.

The announcement and ongoing rollout of Systemcore (and its companion architecture including Motioncore and the FIRST A301 Actuator) have sparked extensive debate across both the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) communities.

While FIRST and Limelight designed the platform to modernize processing, improve ESD/short-circuit protection, and raise the baseline for team capabilities, community discussions focus on hardware reliability during testing, financial burdens, and shifts in technical accessibility.

The decision to make Systemcore and Motioncore the mandatory standard in upcoming seasons carries significant financial implications. For example, teams have invested thousands of dollars over the years in standard DC motors (REV HD Hex, GoBILDA Yellowjackets), PWM servos, and 12V batteries. The transition to Motioncore requires a complete move to the new A301 CAN-based brushless actuators and 18V power tool battery docks, leaving years of legacy inventory obsolete for official competition.

Also, switching to a single unified motor/actuator model (A301) raises concerns about potential supply chain shortages, pricing power, and stock availability ahead of kickoffs. Unlikely previous seasons with multiple independent vendors (GoBILDA, AndyMark, REV Robotics), a single supply for Systemcore and Motioncore may lead to critical issues within the season.

Following initial alpha testing, full field implementation of Systemcore and Motioncore is slated for upcoming seasons (targeted for standard rollout around the 2027–2028 season).

As FIRST Tech Challenge enters this transformative era, the shift toward Systemcore and Motioncore represents a fundamental evolution of how FTC robots are designed, powered, and controlled. While the promise of robust electrical safeguards, standardized CAN-bus architecture, and higher processing ceilings offers an exciting vision for the future of student robotics, the transition is not without real friction. Addressing early reliability concerns, mitigating the financial burden on under-funded teams, and balancing plug-and-play convenience with foundational technical education will determine how smoothly this new platform takes root.

Ultimately, the success of the Systemcore ecosystem will rely on FIRST's responsiveness to mentor and student feedback, ensuring that as the technology advances, the core mission of accessible, inspiring STEM education remains firmly intact.