Computer Vision and AI Techniques for Enhancing Performance at FIRST Robotics Competitions

FIRST is a global robotics program focused on generating opportunities for youth to immerse themselves in STEM through engaging annual games that teams design robots to compete in [1]. As technology advances, the various challenges introduced in the yearly robotics competitions continue to push teams to take advantage of hardware and software tools that are becoming mainstream in industry. The primary focus of this poster is to present two computer vision and AI tools that have been recently introduced in the FTC (First Tech Challenge, middle school age) and FRC (First Robotics Competition, high school age) competitions. Both TensorFlow software (FTC), and the Limelight camera (and associated software). have been incorporated into the FTC and FRC competitions; called “Power Play” and “Crescendo” respectively. In this paper, we will discuss these vision and AI tools used as well as the possible implementation and application of them for other uses. (Abstract)