h2. Introducing the New FRC 2009 Controller: NI CompactRIO
The National Instruments CompactRIO programmable automation controller is an advanced embedded control and data acquisition system designed for applications that require high performance and reliability. With the platform's open, embedded architecture, small size, extreme ruggedness, and flexibility, FIRST teams can use this hardware to quickly build custom robotic systems.

Want to learn more before you get the FRC kit? Take the following steps to get started with CompactRIO.

View Build a Better Robot with CompactRIO Training Presentation

Delivered at the FRC 2008 Championship, the attached presentation provides a detailed explanation of the benefits of the new
controller: superior performance, rugged design, flexible I/O modules, advanced control, and easy programming.

Watch CompactRIO Video Demonstration

This educational video demonstrates how to set up and control CompactRIO. Keep in mind, this controller is the same platform used by engineers and scientists at cool places like NASA and Microsoft.

Learn CompactRIO Tutorial

Take an in-depth look at the guts of the CompactRIO embedded control and data acquisition system, including information about the real-time processor, the high-performance FPGA, and the flexible I/O modules with built-in signal conditioning for more direct connection to sensors.

Read NI cRIO-FRC Data Sheet

Say good-bye to serial ports and radio communication, and say hello to 100 percent more processing power, 64X more memory, 2048X more
storage space, and 64X more input resolution for more accurate robots. Learn why by reading the specs in this data sheet.

Connect Meet Real-World Engineers Using CompactRIO

The best way to get started is to network and collaborate in the NI FIRST Community. Talk to your peers and real-world engineers.

Additional Resources:

Wikipedia: FPGA

YouTube: NI CompactRIO Videos