Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. We call FIRST Robotics Competition the ultimate Sport for the Mind. High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.” Under strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. Each season ends with an exciting FIRST Championship.
Competition Process
Under strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors.Judging Criteria
Teams are scored on their robot's performance in the robot games as well as on additional program items. See the challenge website for complete scoring rubrics.Participate
Website: www.usfirst.org/frc
Managing Organization: First Inc.
Eligibility:
What does every FIRST Robotics Competition team need?
- 2 or more adult Mentors with both technical and non-technical expertise willing and motivated to “coach” the team through the build and competition season (and beyond)
- 10 or more high school-aged students willing to put in time after school (and maybe some weekends) and to do any job the team needs to succeed (lots of important jobs available for all skill levels and interests)
- A suitable meeting place
- A suitable space to design and build an industrial-sized robot (about 150 lbs.), that has access to a variety of machine shop power tools
- A standard kit of parts and a common set of rules issued by FIRST
- A community sponsor(s) that will help fund your efforts and provide other support
- The desire to learn, explore, strategize, build comradery, share ideas and talents, make new friends, be accepted, and HAVE FUN!