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The REV robotics Control Hub (Figure 27) serves as the central nervous system of the robot, and the Control Hub is designed to streamline the integration of various electronic components and facilitate seamless communication between them. Its functions encompass a wide array of capabilities, including motor control, sensor input processing, wireless communication, and advanced programmability. Equipped with a variety of ports and interfaces, it accommodates the connection of motors, servos, sensors, and other peripherals crucial for the robot's functionality.
One of the standout features of the REV Robotics Control Hub is its Android-based operating system, providing a familiar and versatile platform for programming teams. Leveraging the power of Android allows for intuitive programming using Java, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned programmers. The Control Hub also supports advanced programming options such as Android Studio for teams seeking a more customized and intricate control over their robots.
In the dynamic landscape of FTC robotics, the Control Hub finds applications in a multitude of scenarios. Its compact and lightweight design makes it an ideal choice for FTC teams aiming to optimize the weight distribution of their robots, a critical consideration in competitions where agility and speed are paramount. The wireless connectivity feature enables teams to control their robots remotely, enhancing the overall user experience during matches. Moreover, the Control Hub's ability to interface with a diverse range of sensors facilitates the implementation of complex autonomous routines, granting teams a competitive edge in the autonomous phase of FTC matches.
Figure 27. Control hub and its connections. The REV control hub can be purchased and used to connect the robot’s motors, sensors, and servos. Image source: REV robotics.
Designed to complement the REV Robotics Control Hub, the Expansion Hub (Figure 28) functions as an extension interface, expanding the number of available ports for motors, servos, and sensors. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the seamless integration of additional hardware components, providing teams with the flexibility to create more complex and feature-rich robotic systems.
The Expansion Hub boasts an array of functions that contribute to its significance in FTC robotics. It features multiple motor ports with built-in motor controllers, enabling teams to connect and control a variety of motors simultaneously. The hub also includes ports for servos, sensors, and other auxiliary devices, offering teams the versatility needed to implement a diverse range of mechanisms and functionalities in their robots. With built-in voltage regulation and protection mechanisms, the Expansion Hub ensures stable and reliable power distribution, crucial for the consistent performance of the robot during competition.
In the context of FTC robotics, the applications of the REV Robotics Expansion Hub are diverse and impactful. Its ability to extend the number of available motor and sensor ports allows teams to design and construct robots with intricate and multifaceted capabilities. Teams can implement sophisticated drivetrains, deploy multiple types of sensors for navigation and feedback, and control various mechanical components with precision. Additionally, the Expansion Hub facilitates the efficient management of power resources, a critical consideration in the design and optimization of competitive robots where weight and power consumption are tightly regulated.
Figure 28. The REV expansion hub can be purchased and used to connect the robot’s motors, sensors, and servos. Image source: Rev robotics.
Connecting the REV Robotics Control Hub and Expansion Hub in FTC robotics is a fundamental step in establishing a cohesive and functional robot control system. To initiate this connection, teams typically use a provided XT extension cable to link the Control Hub and the Expansion Hub physically (Figure 29). This cable is designed to connect the two hubs via the ports located on each device. The Control Hub serves as the primary control and communication center, while the Expansion Hub extends the available ports for additional motors, servos, and sensors. The Control Hub features a dedicated Expansion Hub port, and the communication cable is plugged into this port on the Control Hub and the corresponding port on the Expansion Hub (Figure 29). This connection establishes a communication link between the two hubs, allowing them to work in tandem to control the various components of the robot.
Furthermore, once physically connected, the teams need to configure the software settings to recognize and utilize both hubs seamlessly. Teams typically use the FTC Robot Controller app, which is an Android-based application designed for programming and configuring the robot control system. In the app, teams select the configuration settings that correspond to the physical arrangement of their motors, servos, and sensors connected to both the Control Hub and Expansion Hub. Properly configuring the app ensures that the software can appropriately interface with and control the connected hardware components.
Figure 29. Control and expansion hubs can be connected so that more robot’s motors, sensors, and servos can be wired. Image source: REV robotics.
Figures 30 and 31 show two examples of mounting and connecting control hub and expansion hub.
Figure 30. One typical way of connecting control and expansion hubs.
Figure 31. Another example of connecting control and expansion hubs.
Physically mounting control and expansion hubs could be challenging, which entails in-depth considerations. For instance, in our FTC robot design for the 2023-2024 season (Figure 32), the control hub and expansion hub were mounted face-to-face on two U-Channels so that the cable wiring can be easier and efficient.
Figure 32. Mounts of control and expansion hubs for the 2023-2024 season.
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