For the first time, teams will be able to use brushless technology

ST. LOUIS – Nov. 13, 2017 – In 2018, for the first time, high school students in FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics competition will be allowed to use Dynamo Brushless DC (BLDC) motors that will be supplied by Nidec Motor Corporation. 

Since the inception of the competition, FIRST teams have been able to use only brush motors. BLDC technology, which is widely used in robotic applications, offers the participants another option that will provide more control of their robots, as well as better efficiency and higher performance.

More than 92,000 high school students on approximately 3,600 teams from 26 countries are expected to participate in the 2018 FIRST competition. Working with more than 20,000 engineering mentors, these students will build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. Teams use an average of 5-8 actuator motors per robot.

“BLDC motors play a critical role in the field of automation, and we are pleased that we are able to introduce this technology to these talented future engineers. I am eager to continue to work with FIRST to expand the BLDC motor offering to meet the needs of the teams,” said Nidec Senior Product Manager Alex Valentino. “Like FIRST, Nidec is committed to inspiring innovation and fostering young people’s capabilities so that their dreams become realities. These are our future leaders who will use technology and science to make our world a better place.”

The Dynamo 12V DC Brushless motors will come with integrated controllers. Nidec is also providing custom cable harnesses to make the connection between the controllers and the robot interface as simple for teams as possible.

About FIRST^®  
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $50 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST^® Robotics Competition for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST^® Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12; FIRST^® LEGO^® League for Grades 4-8; and FIRST^® LEGO^® League Jr. for Grades K-4. Gracious Professionalism^® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.firstinspires.org.

Nidec Motor Corporation (NMC) is a leading manufacturer of commercial, industrial, and appliance motors and controls. The NMC product line features a full line of high-efficiency motors, large and small, which serve industrial, residential, and commercial markets in applications ranging from agriculture, water treatment, mining, oil and gas, and power generation to pool and spa motors, air conditioning condensers, rooftop cooling towers, and commercial refrigeration. It also makes motors, controls and switches for automotive and commercial markets. For more information, visit http://www.nidec-motor.com/

Nidec is a global corporation comprised of over 300 group companies with highly reputed engineering capabilities in motor-related fields. Nidec Group specializes and handles motor application products based on “everything that spins and moves,” from small precision to supersized motors and drives.