What is FIRST?
FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. Their 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 Founder Dean Kamen is a prolific inventor, entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for science and technology. His passion and determination to help young people discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology are the cornerstones of FIRST. For over 30 years, Kamen has resolutely led the growth of FIRST to where it is now universally recognized as the leading, not-for-profit STEM engagement program for kids worldwide.
FIRST is “More Than Robots”. FIRST participation is proven to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields, inspire them to become leaders and innovators, and enhance their 21st century work-life skills. Read more about the Impact of FIRST.
What is FRC?
FIRST Robotics Competition – For Kids aged 14 – 18
Often called “The Ultimate Sport of the Mind” and “The Hardest Fun You’ll Ever Have”, FIRST® Robotics Competition gives teams of 10 to 30 High School students (grades 9 – 12) the challenge of building a 120lb, competition-ready robot in under six weeks.
Under strict rules and limited resources, teams are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, as well as 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 Mentors from fields ranging from Engineering & Design to Business & Public Relations lend their time and talents to guide each team.
Current FRC Season: Infinite Recharge
Overview
Eeach alliance works to protect FIRST City from approaching asteroids caused by a distant skirmish in the reaches of space. Each alliance works with their droids to race to collect and score Power Cells to energize their Shield Generator for maximum protection. In order to activate the stages of the Shield Generator, droids manipulate their Control Panels after scoring a specific number of Power Cells. At the end of the match, droids race to their Rendezvous Point to their Shield Generator operational in order to protect FIRST City!
Autonomous Period
The alliances’s droids are pre-programmed to protect FIRST City through scoring Power Cells in the Power Port, as well as moving from the Initiation Line.
Teleoperated Period
After the first fifteen seconds drivers take control over their droids, Alliance continue to protect FIRST City – and score points – by continuing to score Power Cells in the Power Port, completing Rotation Control and Position Control through manipulation of their Control Panel, hanging from the Generator Switch and getting the Generator Switch to be in a level position after the period of protection has ended for FIRST City.