What is the purpose of the judging process in FTC Decode 2025-2026?

The judging process in FTC Decode 2025-2026 is designed to comprehensively evaluate teams based on multiple key factors: design, teamwork, and overall performance. This holistic approach ensures that judges consider not only the technical aspects of the robots, such as their functionality and innovation, but also how well teams collaborate and communicate. The evaluation of design includes the engineering principles applied, the creativity of solutions, and the thoroughness of the design process documented in teams' engineering notebooks. Teamwork is assessed through the dynamics within the team, demonstrating how effectively they work together towards common goals. Finally, overall performance includes how the robot performs during matches, its effectiveness in executing tasks, and how well teams strategize during competitions. This multifaceted judging criteria ultimately supports the goals of FTC to promote not just technical skills but also critical soft skills like collaboration and communication amongst participants.