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FIRST Robotics

What is FIRST?

FRC Logo

Why is it unique?

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a unique varsity "Sport for the Mind™" designed to help high-school-aged young people discover how interesting and rewarding the lives of engineers and scientists can be.

Vision

"To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders."

-- Dean Kamen, Founder

Mission

Our mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

FIRST Robotics Competition

How it works

FIRST Robotics Photo

The FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC®) stages short games played by robots.

The robots are designed and built in six weeks (from a common set of parts) by a team of high-school-aged young people and a handful of engineers-Mentors. The students program and remotely control the robots in competition rounds on the field. Teams are formed in the fall. The annual FIRST Robotics Competition Kickoff in early January starts the six-week “build” season. Competitions take place in March and April. The FIRST Robotics Competition Regional events are typically held in university arenas. They involve 40 to 70 teams cheered by thousands of fans over three days. A championship event caps the season. Referees oversee the competition. Judges evaluate teams and present awards for design, technology, sportsmanship and commitment to FIRST. The Chairman’s Award is FIRST highest honor and recognizes a team that exemplifies the values of FIRST.

FRC 2011 Facts