--- title: Altair Support for FIRST Robotics description: Altair is empowering FIRST Teams with leading-edge technologies to help create innovations for a more sustainable world. image: https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20Featured%20image.png --- - [English - United States](https://web.altair.com/first-robotics) - [日本語](https://web.altair.com/ja/first-robotics) [![Altair Engineering Inc. logo](https://altair.com/images/default-source/default-album/footerlogo.svg) ](https://www.altair.com) [Terms of Use](https://www.siemens.com/global/en/general/terms-of-use.html) |  [Privacy Notice](https://www.sw.siemens.com/en-US/privacy-policy/) |  [Data Privacy Framework](https://altair.com/privacy-framework) |  [Cookie Notice](https://altair.com/cookie-notice) |  [DMCA](https://sw.siemens.com/en-US/dmca) |  [Whistleblowing](https://www.siemens.com/global/en/company/about/compliance/reporting-channels.html) |  Cookie Consent © Altair Engineering Inc. All Rights Reserved. ![First Robotics LP Hero v4](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/First%20Robotics%20LP%20Hero%20v4.png) ### Multiple Software Apps at Your Fingertips [Go To FREE Software](https://web.altair.com/first-robotics?hsLang=en-us#Software)   ### Build Better Robots, Faster More and more *FIRST® *Robotics teams around the world are leveraging Altair software to do what engineers and data scientists in industry are doing for their products (i.e., accelerating innovation by exploring more design concepts earlier and making better data-driven decisions faster).   ### Enable Your Team's Success Watch how this *FIRST®* team derives great value from using Altair® Inspire™ and** **Altair® AI Studio** **to optimize their robots—making them lighter, stronger, and more efficient! The video features students and mentors sharing how simulation and AI-driven optimization are helping them design competitive robots, just like real-world engineers. [ ![Dean 1](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/Dean%201.png) ](https://web.altair.com/first-robotics#) ### Fireside Chat with Dean Kamen Hear from Dean Kamen about his vision for how technology like Altair’s can help unite our world rather than divide it. Altair is proud to support Dean’s inspiring vision for “giving kids the opportunity to create a successful future for themselves” – through ‘coopertition’ and gracious professionalism. ## Quick Access to Free Software Apps for FIRST® Robotics Competition Teams [ ![Goon Squad Inspire 810x350](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/Goon%20Squad%20Inspire%20810x350.png) ](https://web.altair.com/first-robotics#) ### Altair® Inspire™ for simulation-driven design Easily import and extend your use of CAD geometry by performing structural analyses, topology optimization (for lightweighting), and motion studies with your robot. [![Download Inspire](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/47251/interactive-189604035083.png) ](https://web.altair.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLI6ld0BJgsDGiWyh7fGeMnNXtMJHUQd98F9Va%2FvZa1n6Oax0dj48VU2vBPNTmDxaweDFARSeKunW9N%2FyTY5YeFoHOFoblQD5pFMSe5ttvbs%2B7u3sOvIIR1DO7icdP2i%2FQ8tKAqwcCPWNNURfPianYGajvqKdDOH%2BHca2EV%2BG0xgXeBgJC1jaRCInjWnrzmih9TL&webInteractiveContentId=189604035083&portalId=47251&hsLang=en-us) ![AI Studio Hub](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/AI%20Studio%20Hub.png) ### Altair® AI Studio® for data-driven decisions Effectively manage your large amounts of competition data from various sources to help you choose alliance partners, detect anomalies, and perform predictive maintenance to avoid problems during matches. [![Download AI Studio](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/47251/interactive-189604745290.png) ](https://web.altair.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKnoVV3iGfGnRlkIXmzXtadnEJVCvtWE1p4TtyAqoUyBOZUOpNNCBny%2FrD%2FRSSDmNfEDe2A7qoznsR9QTy0onvGfI6IMt83qjd99SxHt99ZMEdpqo5NXWRmPlOY3I9dZ1cA5WX%2BVXVNJ%2F8nsSdwqCe3YtZfJhzVVioOnyjwBZ3O0U8GdpVXFrAEFlPHHLO6oWuLhLFgkMPHeD%2Fhfayr7bGt1IBLSjuVaA4yBpJLxumj7Tmp%2B5EKv46hhBxGG9G%2FbtrEW6VJqvN9%2BJIrEx%2BSQovIuFRYZWsxyh3NO2ff%2FhkyKu%2BXOgEVBi0H7NCIrhM9IaDIOg%2Bn0O36riuwzBtmqLRSy7B%2FB%2FdINzmSKmW8HcgVUmpRnZS6rUA9qZ17nWpMTZOJWSVmnOuuKdqyQcGMw1n8hCZ%2F9faB9UUF8KO7gC4qavHsnsyEOIKY4wBnm6bB8ervT%2FPv%2BUXgqhaJ3Ic8dLSAXTLJMZo9Ui3uC5B4RgiX1obC47ZZPo11j3zhT1L%2F6Fo9sJ8X%2FVk93%2BAqSUvq&webInteractiveContentId=189604745290&portalId=47251&hsLang=en-us) ## REEFSCAPE is here!   With the REEFSCAPE reveal on January 4th, we have officially kicked off the 2025 FRC Season. The challenges look exciting and Altair is here to help you build the best robot to master the playing field. We have taken the 2025 KitBOT and have created some example models showing how Altair Inspire can help you make your robot stronger, faster, lighter, and more robust quickly and easily. Take a look at this overview video and then download the Inspire model files below to get an idea of how Altair’s Software can help you “Build Better Robots Faster.” In case you don’t have the software check out the section below the model files for links to get Inspire FREE and then below that are a series of easy-to-follow videos to teach you how to put Inspire to use in no time. We can’t wait to see the amazing robots you create and we are here to help you. Let the games BEGIN! ## Download Sample Model Files ![FIRST 2025 Structure Gif](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%202025%20Structure%20Gif.gif) ### Structural Analysis [![Download Model File](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/47251/interactive-184505641078.png) ](https://web.altair.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLjtA%2BosIY0zT%2BlyxXluGvpOyHl5sUj9qoQUwPsUgbzfoq68NuONujNCNJmyGxjxDgbTdMDjI5IbG78t3hmRF0jlTBPbcQYuZEQbaKPK50RQCey1owYV7tZRpx6ISbYNug8ftQ9nF8DO76oycY87qWepk2MVm9iTxXa%2F34bYgwXL52tx%2F5UfnBh%2Brd%2FMgDhsch1zK%2FTpyRobrGBteZdCc9i8JCJzQyKWWNH%2BLZaE517Jyva%2B4dE9D%2BJnuD4R7%2BlZ2dEy9Rs%2F6eo9g%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=184505641078&portalId=47251&hsLang=en-us) ![FIRST 2025 Optimization GifFIXED](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%202025%20Optimization%20GifFIXED.gif) ### Lightweighting Optimization [![Download Model File](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/47251/interactive-184505641263.png) ](https://web.altair.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIzpRKsuxJGmctkQovrUbLDrv06otSZKmvN0wZSRmLLWPDSb2lGkVL0jDyLVY9elfp1AwuCAPcmu9tA9JVdwRgWROHe6iB2wTc75c6FE7qcTuknNut2PF9I6R1%2BJD0KC28vDunLjnbBnnpxYNrY45JuywWplu3Se4%2FVCfaVq50ELHlT50BSI6%2FpXofqveuw%2F6wG%2BfW%2BqMr29BRQbufKlwKfU57%2F3MDWHIOMdq57OG%2BBJIzYuftetacxOuAorleSLalkNPUEoRS9&webInteractiveContentId=184505641263&portalId=47251&hsLang=en-us) ![FIRST 2025 Motion GifFIXED](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%202025%20Motion%20GifFIXED.gif) ### Motion Analysis [![Download Model File](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/47251/interactive-184507077972.png) ](https://web.altair.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLWaKmvBWgr6NGsmtYhSPuT%2BC7VIjjxQv9nZyBuli6ulEbI%2BXykuuZOxk3Y%2FyWaCUlSXP7yioHRX7qlYzrh5PvhOoDfCIrLfaVrOh%2BIiES0kqDEEoQGYXlla9tH5vKUyeHaFq4bHP8fdpeHBNQCabFMUCvYrDH3a9zNe%2FiaNgEP93VMu%2BbmvOwPbr%2FBikUa3kyWr94UH7KA23RCMlBpYP3HRKucunPAFBjjWOiIF68OiYbrn6IoFy7iJ%2BVfrn09VRFVn94%3D&webInteractiveContentId=184507077972&portalId=47251&hsLang=en-us) ## Get Started with Inspire ![FIRST Kit - Module 1 - Torsional Analysis - GIF](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20Kit%20-%20Module%201%20-%20Torsional%20Analysis%20-%20GIF.gif) #### Start Here with the Basics of Structural Analysis Determine the torsional rigidity/stiffness of a robot base to avoid too much bending during operation. ** What you will learn:** Moment Loads Supports Material Definition Non-Motion Contacts Result Contouring [ Download Module 1 ](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20Kit%20-%20Module%201%20-%20Torsional%20Analysis.zip?hsLang=en-us) ![FIRST Kit - Module 2 - Structural Analysis - GIF-1](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20Kit%20-%20Module%202%20-%20Structural%20Analysis%20-%20GIF-1.gif) #### Learn More About Structural Analysis Assess the strength of a robot bracket to avoid breakage during operation and evaluate an alternative based on the initial results. ** What you will learn:** Force Creation ** What you can review: ** Supports Material Definition Non-Motion Contacts Result Contouring [ Download Module 2 ](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20Kit%20-%20Module%202%20-%20Structural%20Analysis.zip?hsLang=en-us) ![FIRST Kit - Module 3 - Optimization - GIF](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20Kit%20-%20Module%203%20-%20Optimization%20-%20GIF.gif) #### Learn How to Optimize Your Designs Lightweight a robot arm utilizing topological optimization while maintaining strength requirements. ** What you will learn: ** Poly Nurbs Optimized Shapes ** What you can review: ** Supports Force Creation [ Download Module 3 ](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/Module%203%20-%20Optimization.zip?hsLang=en-us) ![FIRST Kit - Module 4 - Motion Analysis - GIF](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20Kit%20-%20Module%204%20-%20Motion%20Analysis%20-%20GIF.gif) #### Dive Into Motion Analysis Simulate the movement of a Robot Arm to validate proper motion dynamics and verify torque requirements on the motors. ** What you will learn: ** Joints Actuators/ Motors Load Extraction [ Download Module 4 ](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20Kit%20-%20Module%204%20-%20Motion%20Analysis.zip?hsLang=en-us) ![FIRST Kit - Module 5](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20Kit%20-%20Module%205.gif) #### Structural Analysis from Motion Simulation Leverage the dynamic motion of a subsystem to capture resulting forces that will then be used to analyze a bracket. ** What you will learn/ review: ** Joints Actuators/ Motors Analysis Contured Results Analysis from Motion Data [ Download Module 5 ](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/Module%205.zip?hsLang=en-us) ![FIRST KIT - Module 6](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20KIT%20-%20Module%206.gif) #### Topology Optimization from Structural Analysis and Motion Simulation Light weight the bracket previously analyzed by using forces derived from the motion. ** What you will learn/ review: ** Design Spaces Non-Design Spaces Motion Analysis Optimization from Motion Data [ Download Module 6 ](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/Module%206.zip?hsLang=en-us) ### Hear From the Expert ## Using Inspire to Optimize Robotic Design Learn how to set up models, define materials, and optimize your robot's structure for lightweight strength using Inspire’s powerful topological optimization tools. You'll also get insights into simulating robotic motion with Inspire Motion, and how to leverage these simulations for accurate structural analysis.  [Play Video](https://web.altair.com/first-robotics#)   ## Get Started with AI Studio (formerly known as RapidMiner Studio) ![ra_mode1_2](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/ra_mode1_2.gif) #### Using RapidMiner to help choose Alliance Partners Select the best alliance partners based on data gathered by several team scouts. ** What you will learn: ** Gathering Data from Different Sources Data Cleaning and Pre-processing Quick Data Analysis Data Visualization [ Download Module 1 ](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20Kit%20-%20Module%201%20-%20RapidMiner.zip?hsLang=en-us) ![FIRST Kit - Module 2 - RapidMiner - GIF](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20Kit%20-%20Module%202%20-%20RapidMiner%20-%20GIF.gif) #### Analyzing the Blue Alliance Data Connect to the Blue Alliance API, extract its FRC team performance data, and choose the best alliance partners through data analysis. ** What you will learn: ** Connecting to Blue Alliance API Data Cleaning and Pre-processing Data from API Data Analysis Data Visualization [ Download Module 2 ](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20Kit%20-%20Module%202%20-%20RapidMiner.zip?hsLang=en-us) ![FIRST Kit - Module 3 - RapidMiner - GIF-FIXED](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20Kit%20-%20Module%203%20-%20RapidMiner%20-%20GIF-FIXED.gif) #### Classifying Teams for Smarter Scouting Categorize teams based on their strengths, then filter them by key performance attributes to find the best fit, and form well-rounded alliances. ** What you will learn: ** Clean and Preprocess Data Feature Engineering to Create Useful Attributes Categorize Teams Based on Strengths Data-driven Strategies for Alliance Selection [ Download Module 3 ](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20Kit%20-%20Module%203%20-%20Strategic%20Alliance%20Selection.zip?hsLang=en-us) ![FIRST Kit - Module 4 - RapidMiner - GIF-FIXED](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20Kit%20-%20Module%204%20-%20RapidMiner%20-%20GIF-FIXED.gif) #### Clustering for Better Team Pairing Optimize alliance selection using K-Means Clustering Classification by grouping teams by performance metrics. ** What you will learn: ** Data Preprocessing Feature Engineering Clustering Analysis (K-Means Clustering) Clustering Result Interpretation [ Download Module 4 ](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20Kit%20-%20Module%204%20-%20Performance%20Based%20Clustering.zip?hsLang=en-us) ### Hear From the Expert ## Enhancing Robotic Uptime Predictive Maintenance Using Classification Models In this session, you'll learn how to build a predictive maintenance model for robot arms, focusing on key features like Hours in Service and Payload Utilization to predict when maintenance is likely needed. We’ll walk through preparing the dataset and using a classification model to forecast potential breakdowns. [Play Video](https://web.altair.com/first-robotics#)     ### How About Electrical Design? #### Mastering Power Flow in Robotics - PSIM Essentials Workshop In this session, you’ll learn how to use PSIM, a powerful simulation tool for electrical design, to optimize power flow in your robotics projects. We cover key aspects like managing power from batteries to various loads, ensuring you avoid overcurrent and power limitation issues—crucial for competition success. Whether you’re working on a FIRST Robotics Competition robot or any other system, this workshop will help you harness the full potential of PSIM for your designs. If you want to learn more about PSIM visit its Academic Hub Page: [PSIM Academic Hub ](https://web.altair.com/ja/academic-hub-psim?hsLang=en-us)   ### Altair proudly supports FIRST Robotics Altair is devoted to playing a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of engineers and innovators by actively supporting FIRST Robotics teams. We empower students to explore STEM fields, develop problem-solving skills, and gain real-world engineering experience. But our commitment to education and innovation extends beyond financial support and free software access for teams: Altair's team of experts mentors and collaborates with FIRST Robotics teams, fostering a passion for technology and encouraging these young minds to reach their full potential in the world of robotics and engineering. **Is your team using Altair tools? Please add our logo to your robot and supporter page.**   [Download the Altair Logo ](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/Altair%20Logo.zip?hsLang=en-us)   ### See what Altair tools have to offer Altair is thrilled to provide free access to a comprehensive suite of software tools, equipping teams with the resources they need to excel. But our offering goes beyond just software. All FIRST teams get access to: - FIRST-specific training materials - regular virtual software training sessions for all team members involved with our tools - an  Altair community support group tailored to the unique challenges and aspirations of FIRST participants. **Watch the recorded webinar to learn more and see how two FRC teams already successfully used Altair Inspire for their robot designs. ** [Watch ](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/FIRST%20In%20Michigan%20Webinar.mp4?hsLang=en-us) ![FIRST Featured image](https://web.altair.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FIRST%20Featured%20image.png?width=768&name=FIRST%20Featured%20image.png) ### Recorded Altair Virtual Workshop - Build Better Robots Faster On May 23, we held a Virtual Workshop for FIRST Robotics Teams which you can now watch on demand. Pick from the following list to get the content that interests you and your team the most: 1. [Inspire Academic Hub and Learning Materials Overview ](https://youtu.be/82NgyOvWDG0)(8:03 Minutes) 2. [Landon Cooper - Lightning Robotics Team 862 - Canton MI](https://youtu.be/wUtPrcURKqk) (13:20 Minutes) 3. [Inspire Pro Tips and Insights ](https://youtu.be/o_wCXISJQfA)(21:51 Minutes) 4. [AI Studio (formerly RapidMiner Studio) Academic Hub and Learning Materials Overview](https://youtu.be/Qc6MYxgfOhI) (3:32 Minutes) 5. [Marek Gustitus & Sean Goodson - Eagle Evolution Team 3322 - Ann Arbor MI](https://youtu.be/gw1KRDq3FNk) (12:51 Minutes) 6. [AI Studio (formerly RapidMiner Studio) Pro Tips and Insights](https://youtu.be/BY3vANNaMoM) (25:23 Minutes) [Binge the Playlist ](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ7KUGFuVz4tEkwHK3rFWRIVlSG-fSbaC&si=V_S-bUpbinny7_7B) ![0A4A3377 (1)](https://web.altair.com/hs-fs/hubfs/0A4A3377%20(1).jpg?width=6720&name=0A4A3377%20(1).jpg) ### Apply to get financial support for your team Altair is committed to helping FRC teams build better robots, faster - using our software tools, learning resources, and support. If teams and their coaches and mentors are just as committed in their willingness to learn and use our software to create success stories it is a win-win situation for all involved. We are happy to support these teams with additional support and financial sponsorship to get them to the front even faster. If your team wants to work closely with us to get you closer to the win, have a team member 18 years or older fill out the financial grant application below, and let's talk! **Note: The deadline for our 2025 sponsorship grant application has expired. Please check back in the next season to submit the form for your team.** ![Michigan-tech-professor-teaches-mechanical-engineering-students-Altair-Simulation](https://web.altair.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/Michigan-tech-professor-teaches-mechanical-engineering-students-Altair-Simulation.jpg?width=465&name=Michigan-tech-professor-teaches-mechanical-engineering-students-Altair-Simulation.jpg) ### Altair Community Tag for * FIRST® * This special Altair Community tag is dedicated to all participants in *FIRST®* competitions - students and mentors.  It serves as a dynamic platform where teams and individuals come together to foster collaboration, share knowledge with peers, and get help from experts. Beyond facilitating technical Q&A on the practical application of Altair products, it also provides a valuable route to software tips & tricks, the latest training materials, sample files, and more.  [Explore the Tag ](https://community.altair.com/discussions?tagID=75) ## Download our Free Student Edition bundle to get access to more Altair software For example, get Altair PSIM for Power Management [ Request Now ](https://studentedition.altair.com/) ## Altair Global Student Contest Winners from FIRST [ ![Joseph BarryThumbnail](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/Joseph%20BarryThumbnail.png) ](https://web.altair.com/first-robotics#) ### Joseph Barry - Goon Squad Joseph Barry of the Goon Squad (Team 3604) used Altair Inspire and Inspire Motion to reduce the weight of a bracket on their robot's intake system by an incredible 45%. [ ![Colin DaggThumbnail](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/Colin%20DaggThumbnail.png) ](https://web.altair.com/first-robotics#) ### Colin Dagg - HOT Colin Dagg, from the HOT Team (#67), optimized over a dozen critical parts on his team's competition robot using Altair Inspire and Inspire Motion, decreasing their weights between 9% and 63%. [ ![Lorenzo](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/Lorenzo.png) ](https://web.altair.com/first-robotics#) ### Lorenzo Gaglio - Goon Squad Lorenzo Gaglio of the Goon Squad won on a personal project. He used Altair Inspire to design the perfect legs for his laser engraver, reducing weight/filament usage by over 62%. [ ![AMER June Thumbnail v4](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/AMER%20June%20Thumbnail%20v4.png) ](https://web.altair.com/first-robotics#) ### Colin Dagg - HOT Colin Dagg of the HOT Team #67, used Altair Inspire to optimize his team's intake assembly support, reducing its weight by over 70% while still maintaining a 3x factor of safety. ## Student Team Robotics Beyond FIRST As for many students in FIRST Robotics, it might be your goal to become an engineering or robotics student at a university one day and to eventually enter a technical career in industry. The following videos give you some examples of students in student competition teams at the university level who use the Altair toolset to get ahead in their competitions and to become real-world-ready for their upcoming careers. [ ![Hermes Team](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/Hermes%20Team.png) ](https://web.altair.com/first-robotics#) ### Research & Development of Robotic Exoskeleton System This presentation demonstrates how Altair’s software suite enables the HERMES EXO team to analyze, optimize, and refine the design of a robotic exoskeleton. By leveraging advanced simulation and data analysis tools, the team improves performance, reliability, and development speed, supporting the creation of an effective mobility assistance solution. [ ![Lunabotics](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/Lunabotics.png) ](https://web.altair.com/first-robotics#) ### Designing Prototype Off-World Mobility Systems for NASA's Lunabotics Challenge The session shows the evolution of the Astro-Huskies' mobility mobility system using Altair Inspire for optimization and analysis. Inspire was key to transitioning from a skid-steer system to a four-wheel steer system. It enabled the team to meet mass requirements while transitioning to the more capable four-wheel steer system by aiding in the design of strong, stiff, and lightweight components. [ ![Team CSU](https://web.altair.com/hubfs/Team%20CSU.png) ](https://web.altair.com/first-robotics#) ### Lightweight Design of Orbital Intelligent Inspection Robots and AI Application Team CSU in China used Altair Inspire to optimize the design and structure of orbital inspection robot wheel frames, resulting in a lighter and more efficient component. They also used Monarch for accurate data preparation and AI Studio to build and refine machine learning models, establishing a standardized workflow for ongoing improvement. ### Empower your Team with Altair Tools Today Get Student Edition [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://web.altair.com//first-robotics%20&body=Check%20out%20https://web.altair.com//first-robotics](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://web.altair.com//first-robotics%20&body=Check%20out%20https://web.altair.com//first-robotics)