Introduction

Hi, I’m Eric Zhang, the Lead Technical Publisher for the Virtual Robot Simulator. This book is an all-in-one guide for your first steps in robotics. Here you will learn the essentials to controlling, piloting, and navigating your robot towards your future STEM aspirations. I understand that starting out in robotics, learning all these new terms and phrases can be confusing. FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) requires a lot of space and funds that not alot of people necessarily have. Using the VRS will let you get a good feel of the actual robot experience! You will be able to program, pilot, and do so much more by the end of this book. We cover everything in an easy and understandable way. Don’t let the simple wording make you think this book is for only beginners though, I cover a lot of advanced concepts as well. By the end of this book, you will be as, if not more, experienced than the average FTC player as well as having a helpful reference guide to aid you on your robotics endeavors.

I have been teaching robotics to up and coming learners like you for several years now. The VRS has been one of my primary teaching tools and I know it inside out. I have even contributed to parts of its development! I am certain that you will be as well taught as my students, many of whom are part of successful FTC teams.