FIRST Robotics Competition

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is a unique varsity sport of the mind designed to help high-school-aged young people discover how interesting and rewarding the life of engineers and researchers can be.

The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in competitions designed by Dean Kamen, Dr. Woodie Flowers, and a committee of engineers and other professionals.

FIRST redefines winning for these students because they are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last.

What is unique about the FRC program?

It is a sport where the participants play with the pros and learn from them
Designing and building a robot is a fascinating real-world professional experience
Competing on stage brings participants as much excitement and adrenaline rush as conventional varsity tournaments
The game rules are a surprise every year

How Does FRC Work?

The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) stages short games played by remote-controlled robots. The robots are designed and built in 6 weeks (out of a common set of basic parts) by a team of 10 to 20 high-school-aged young people and a handful of engineers-mentors. The students pilot the robots on the field. Each school year, teams are formed in the fall.

Competitions take place in March and April. FRC 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 and Judges present awards to teams for design, technology, sportsmanship and commitment to FIRST. The Chairman’s Award is FIRST’ s highest honor.

What is needed to start a team?

A few engineers or other professional volunteers (3 to 6) encouraged by their company’s senior management
10 to 20 high-school-aged young people led by an adult mentor, ideally supported by the school and a group of parent volunteers
About $10,000 to participate in 1 Regional competition. Obtain funding from a single company, a group of companies and/or through school fund-raising efforts.
Grants are available

Click here to learn more about starting a team >>