R901       *Use the specified Driver Station Software. The Driver Station Software provided by National Instruments (install instructions found here) is the only application permitted to specify and communicate the operating mode (i.e. AUTO/TELEOP) and operating state (Enable/Disable) to the ROBOT. The Driver Station Software must be version 26.0 or newer.

Teams are permitted to use a portable computing device of their choice (laptop computer, tablet, etc.) to host the Driver Station Software while participating in MATCHES.

Similar Rules

Rule R902
R902       *The OPERATOR CONSOLE must have a visible display. The OPERATOR CONSOLE, the set of COMPONENTS and MECHANISMS used by the DRIVERS and/or HUMAN PLAYERS to relay commands to the ROBOT, must include a graphic display to present the Driver Station Software diagnostic information. It must be positioned within the OPERATOR CONSOLE so that the screen display can be clearly seen during inspection and in a MATCH.
Rule R701
R701       *Control the ROBOT with a roboRIO. ROBOTS must be controlled via 1 programmable NI roboRIO or roboRIO 2.0 (P/N am3000 or am3000a, both versions referred to throughout this manual as “roboRIO”), with image version 2026_v1.2 or later.
Rule R903
R903       *Connect FMS Ethernet directly to the OPERATOR CONSOLE. Devices hosting the Driver Station Software must only interface with the FMS via the Ethernet cable provided at the DRIVER STATION (e.g. not through a switch). Teams may connect the FMS Ethernet cable to the device running the Driver Station Software directly via an Ethernet pigtail, or with a single-port Ethernet converter (e.g. docking station, USB-Ethernet converter, Thunderbolt-Ethernet converter, etc.). The Ethernet port on the OPERATOR CONSOLE must be easily and quickly accessible.
Rule R705
R705       *Configure devices for your team number. The roboRIO, Driver Station Software, and wireless bridge must be configured to correspond to the correct team number, per the procedures defined in the FIRST Robotics Competition Control System documentation.