FTC Control System: New vs. Current (REV)

Overview

The biggest change to FTC hardware and software in over a decade

FIRST is introducing an entirely new control system — called Systemcore — developed in partnership with WPILib (the same platform that powers FRC robots). The new system replaces the REV Control Hub, REV Expansion Hub, and the Android-based FTC SDK with a unified, CAN FD bus architecture running WPILib 2027.

The transition is deliberately gradual: FRC teams first compete with the new system in 2026-27, with FTC teams following in 2027-28. The legacy REV system stays legal in FTC through at least 2030-31, so there is no urgency to retire your existing hardware — but the learning curve for the new system is steeper, especially for beginners.

Pricing for the new hardware has not yet been announced. Pricing for the A301 actuator will be revealed in the 2026 offseason along with general availability.

Current Main Controller

REV Control Hub

~$280 · Android-based

New Main Controller

Systemcore

Price TBD · WPILib-based

First Compete (FTC)

2027–28

FRC goes first: 2026-27

Legacy REV Legal Until

2030–31

Hybrid mode also legal

Motor Bus

CAN FD

Replaces PWM for all motors

Programming Framework

WPILib

VS Code · Java / C++ / Python

Hardware Comparison

Component-by-component breakdown with upgrade implications

Component	Current System (REV)	New System (Systemcore)
Main Controller	REV Control Hub LEGACY ~$280 Android-based; runs FTC SDK app; built-in Wi-Fi, IMU, USB ports	Systemcore NEW Price TBD Runs WPILib 2027; real-time control over CAN FD; compatible with FRC ecosystem
Motor / Power Hub	REV Expansion Hub LEGACY ~$170 4 motor ports, 6 servo ports, digital/analog I/O via I2C/UART	Motioncore NEW Price TBD CAN FD bus; 20 device ports; 3 encoder ports; designed for the A301 actuator ecosystem
Actuators	Open market NeveRest, goBILDA, HD Hex motors; Axon, REV Smart, goBILDA servos — wide variety of options and price points	FIRST A301 only MONOPOLY Price TBD (announced 2026 offseason) 38×28×81mm · 30W peak · brushless · absolute encoder · swappable gearbox · 100–6000 RPM range; no other actuators permitted once transitioned
Battery	12V NiMH ~$30–50 Industry-standard FTC battery; widely available, easy to charge	18V Li-ion Power Tool Battery TBD Same price point claimed; dock still in development Higher voltage; power tool form factor; charging dock physically larger; compatibility details pending
Driver Station	REV Driver Hub LEGACY ~$100 · Android Dedicated Android device with FTC Driver Station app; familiar handheld form factor	Laptop app + REV Driver Hub (updated) Win / Linux / Mac Cross-platform laptop application; REV Driver Hub also stays legal with a firmware update — teams keep their existing hardware
Motor Bus	PWM + analog/digital I/O Simple, well-understood; limited devices per hub; no daisy-chain topology	CAN FD NEW Flexible Data Rate; daisy-chain topology; deterministic timing; up to 1000 Hz feedback loops; same CAN bus used in FRC and modern industrial robotics
Connectors	Various JST-VH, XT30, Anderson Powerpole, barrel jacks — depends on component; some mixed standards	Keyed latching 4-pin Molex Micro-Fit+ Standardized across all A301 connections; keyed to prevent mis-insertion; latching for secure retention; reduces wiring mistakes

Peak Motor Power — A301 vs Current Common FTC Motors

Current motor values are approximate estimates. A301 value (30W peak) is from official FIRST documentation via the A301 blog post. A301 performance described as ‘similar to 550-class motors’ with 2–2.5× the power of REV Core Hex. Compare with goBILDA and AndyMark motor specs for current market context.

Hybrid mode: Systemcore (new) + legacy REV Expansion Hubs = legal through 2030-31. This is the recommended transition path — teams can adopt the new controller while continuing to use existing REV hubs and motors.

Programming Comparison

SDK, IDE, languages, and the learning curve shift

Dimension	Current (FTC SDK / Android)	New (WPILib 2027)
Framework	FTC SDK (Android) FTC-specific SDK; runs as Android app on Control Hub; self-contained ecosystem	WPILib 2027 NEW Same framework as FRC; battle-tested by thousands of teams; huge community, libraries, and tutorials already exist
Primary IDE	Android Studio Full-featured but heavy; also OnBot Java (browser-based, beginner-friendly)	VS Code + WPILib extension Widely used in industry; lightweight; consistent with FRC workflow; first-class debugging and Gradle build system
Languages	Java, Kotlin Java is the primary competition language; Kotlin supported; Blocks for visual programming	Java, C++, Python Java most transferable; C++ for performance; Python newly added in WPILib for accessibility
Beginner Path	Blocks (visual) → OnBot Java → Android Studio Clear on-ramp; Blocks requires zero text coding; smooth escalation to full Java	No Blocks equivalent yet CONCERN Python lowers the bar somewhat; community discussion ongoing at ftc-community.firstinspires.org; FIRST may address before 2027-28 rollout
I/O Model	Synchronous Linear opMode loop; simple to reason about; limited update rate	Async publisher-subscriber Up to 1000 Hz feedback loops via CAN FD; command-based or timed robot paradigms; higher performance ceiling
Logging & Telemetry	Basic telemetry Dashboard strings, FTCLib; limited real-time visualization; no structured log replay	AdvantageScope, NetworkTables, Elastic Dashboard Real-time visualization of all sensor data; structured log replay for debugging matches; field visualization; same tools used by championship FRC teams
Simulation	Limited No official simulator; third-party options (VirtualField, etc.) have limited fidelity	WPILib Simulation Built-in simulation framework; test code without hardware; physics models for common mechanisms
WiFi Latency	~50ms Acceptable for competition; consistent with current Android-based system	120–160ms over WiFi WATCH Known alpha issue; ~1ms on Ethernet; FIRST and WPILib are aware and actively addressing; tracked at github.com/wpilibsuite/SystemCoreTesting

WiFi Motor Command Latency — Known Alpha Issue, Actively Being Addressed

Alpha testing data from github.com/wpilibsuite/SystemCoreTesting. Values may improve before 2027-28 competition rollout. Current system uses FTC SDK over REV Control Hub WiFi.

Transition Timeline

Key milestones from alpha through full FTC competition rollout

System Transition Window — Both FRC and FTC Legacy Remain Legal Through 2030-31

Nov 14, 2025

Alpha Application Deadline CLOSED

Teams applied to join the closed alpha; selected teams were invited and bound by NDA. Discuss at community.firstinspires.org

Dec 9, 2025

A301 Detail Blog Post Published

FIRST published full specifications for the A301 actuator: dimensions, power, gearbox system, and encoder details

May 22, 2026

Alpha 6 Released · A301 Software Released ALPHA

WPILib 2027.0.0-alpha-6 released; A301 actuator software made available to alpha teams; prototype hardware distributed at Worlds 2026. Track issues at github.com/wpilibsuite/SystemCoreTesting

Mid-2026

Full Beta Expected EXPECTED

Public beta signup anticipated; A301 pricing and availability to be announced; monitor community.firstinspires.org and ftc-community.firstinspires.org for signup announcement

2026 Offseason

A301 Pricing + General Availability Announced TBD

Teams will learn the actual cost of the new actuator ecosystem for the first time; see the A301 blog post for specs

2026-27

FRC Teams Compete with New System FRC FIRST

FRC uses the new Systemcore / WPILib platform in competition; lessons learned directly benefit FTC preparation

2027-28

FTC Teams Can First Compete with New System FTC GO-LIVE

New system becomes competition-legal for FTC; legacy REV system remains legal simultaneously; hybrid mode legal

Through 2030-31

Legacy REV System Remains Legal LEGACY OK

No team is forced off REV hardware until at least 2031; hybrid Systemcore + Expansion Hub also remains legal throughout

Alpha Program

Closed alpha in progress — what we know from participating teams

Alpha Status — Closed Nov 14, 2025

8+

FTC Teams Testing

6

Alpha Releases (current: 6)

2027

WPILib Version (alpha-6)

Known FTC alpha teams (partial list — NDA limits disclosure):

Team 19458

Team 2818

Team 11260

Team 8956

+ more (NDA)

What Alpha Teams Have Confirmed

Area	Findings from Alpha Teams	Status
A301 Prototype Hardware	Distributed at Worlds 2026 to selected alpha teams; brushless motor with swappable gearbox confirmed working; absolute encoder functioning as documented (see A301 blog post)	ALPHA
CAN FD Bus	Up to 20 devices addressable; daisy-chain topology works as specified; deterministic timing confirmed; ~1ms latency on wired connection	ALPHA
WiFi Latency	120–160ms observed over WiFi (vs ~50ms current); known issue being actively worked; Ethernet is ~1ms — wired development recommended. Tracked at github.com/wpilibsuite/SystemCoreTesting	ISSUE
Battery Dock	Still in development during alpha; physically larger than current battery solutions; 18V power tool battery format confirmed; dock availability date TBD	TBD
WPILib Integration	WPILib 2027.0.0-alpha-6 functional; command-based robot framework works; AdvantageScope logging confirmed; VS Code + WPILib extension as expected	ALPHA
Bug Tracking	Public GitHub repo at github.com/wpilibsuite/SystemCoreTesting; issues filed by alpha teams visible to anyone; good transparency on known bugs	PUBLIC

Controversies and Watch-outs

Community concerns and unresolved issues to monitor

A301 Actuator Monopoly HIGH

Once a team transitions to the new system, only the FIRST A301 is legal — no NeveRest, goBILDA, HD Hex, or Axon servos. A Change.org petition was filed by community members opposing the locked ecosystem. No price has been announced, and if A301 units are expensive or supply-constrained, teams on tight budgets could be significantly impacted. Watch: A301 pricing announcement in 2026 offseason. Discuss at r/FTC.

No Blocks Visual Programming HIGH

The current FTC SDK includes a drag-and-drop Blocks environment that allows students with no coding experience to control a robot within hours. WPILib has no equivalent. While Python is available, it still requires text-based programming. Rookie teams and younger students face a significantly higher barrier to entry. Watch: FIRST may address this before 2027-28 — monitor ftc-community.firstinspires.org.

WiFi Latency (120–160ms) WATCH

Alpha teams are seeing 120–160ms teleop latency over WiFi, roughly 2–3× the current ~50ms. The wired (Ethernet) path is ~1ms, but competition robots typically run wireless. FIRST and WPILib are aware and actively addressing. Track progress at github.com/wpilibsuite/SystemCoreTesting. This issue could be resolved before the 2027-28 rollout but represents a meaningful driver experience degradation if not fixed. Use Ethernet for all development work.

Unknown Hardware Costs PENDING

Prices for Systemcore, Motioncore, and A301 have not been published. The current REV system costs approximately $450–$550 for the control system alone. FIRST claims the 18V battery will be “same price point” as the current NiMH. Until A301 pricing is revealed in 2026, it is impossible to budget for the transition. Garage teams should not purchase new hardware until prices are announced.

Battery Dock Still in Development INCOMPLETE

The 18V Li-ion power tool battery dock is still being developed as of Alpha 6. It is reported to be physically larger than current solutions, which could affect robot packaging. Charging procedures, dock standardization for competition pit areas, and multi-battery management workflows are all TBD. This is a logistical concern for events with limited pit space.

FRC vs. FTC Design Tension WATCH

The new system is fundamentally designed for FRC first, with FTC support layered on. Some community members worry that FTC-specific needs (smaller teams, younger students, tighter budgets, simpler robots) may be underweighted as design decisions are made primarily for the larger FRC audience. Monitor ftc-community.firstinspires.org and r/FTC for FTC-specific feedback channels.

Action Items for Your Team

What a NorCal garage team should do right now to prepare for 2027-28

01

Watch for Beta Signup

The full public beta is expected mid-2026 offseason. This is your first chance to get hardware without NDA and start real preparation. Set a reminder to check the FIRST Inspires community forums weekly starting June 2026. Follow both community.firstinspires.org and ftc-community.firstinspires.org.

community.firstinspires.org

02

Start Learning WPILib Now

WPILib documentation is free, comprehensive, and already used by thousands of FRC teams. The Java path is the most transferable from current FTC Java code. Students can start today — no hardware needed, WPILib Simulation runs on any laptop. Use VS Code + WPILib extension to get started.

docs.wpilib.org

03

Join the Alpha GitHub Repo

The SystemCoreTesting repository on GitHub is public. Watch it to track bug reports, resolved issues, and release notes from alpha teams. This is the best real-time window into hardware maturity before the beta launch.

github.com/wpilibsuite/SystemCoreTesting

04

Learn CAN Bus Basics

CAN FD replaces PWM for all motor control in the new system. Understanding CAN addressing, termination, daisy-chain topology, and bit rates will be essential for wiring and debugging. FRC resources on CAN bus are excellent.

WPILib CAN Wiring Basics

05

Retain Your REV Hardware

Do not sell your Control Hub, Expansion Hubs, or motors. The hybrid configuration (Systemcore + old Expansion Hubs) is explicitly legal through 2030-31. Your existing hardware is a valid transition path that can bridge the gap while new hardware becomes available and affordable.

06

Follow Community Forums

The FTC community on r/FTC and the official FIRST Community forums move fast. Major announcements about pricing, beta programs, and rule changes often surface there first. Follow both channels for early signal.

ftc-community.firstinspires.org

07

Explore AdvantageScope Now

AdvantageScope is the telemetry and log visualization tool that comes with WPILib. Download it and explore it before you have hardware — understanding what data it can show will help you design better sensors and logging strategies from day one. Works with NetworkTables for live data.

AdvantageScope on GitHub

08

Apple + FIRST Grant

If recruiting an Apple employee as a mentor, a $325 annual grant is available through Apple's FIRST partnership program. For a garage team covering field elements, batteries, and entry fees, this is meaningful funding — worth pursuing if you have an Apple connection.

Sources

Primary references used in compiling this report

Alpha Tracking

github.com/wpilibsuite/SystemCoreTesting

WPILib Documentation

docs.wpilib.org

FIRST Community Forums

community.firstinspires.org

FTC Community Forums

ftc-community.firstinspires.org

A301 Actuator Blog Post

introducing-the-first-a301 (Dec 9, 2025)

WPILib Release Notes

github.com/wpilibsuite/allwpilib/releases

Community Discussion (r/FTC)

reddit.com/r/FTC

REV Robotics Hardware

revrobotics.com

REV Control Hub

revrobotics.com/rev-31-1595

REV Expansion Hub

revrobotics.com/rev-31-1153

REV Driver Hub

revrobotics.com/rev-31-1596

FTC SDK (GitHub)

github.com/FIRST-Tech-Challenge/FtcRobotController

AdvantageScope

github.com/Mechanical-Advantage/AdvantageScope

WPILib CAN Wiring

docs.wpilib.org — CAN Wiring Basics

Elastic Dashboard

github.com/Gold872/elastic-dashboard

goBILDA Motors

gobilda.com

New Control System vs. REV Platform