What Is FRC (First Robotics Competition)?
FRC combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Teams of 10 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program a robot to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. It’s as close to “real world” engineering as a student can get. Professional Mentors volunteer their time and talents to guide each team. FRC participants, as well as participants in other FIRST robotics programs, use LabVIEW® graphical design software from NI, a tool used by professional engineers. Work alongside professional engineers. Build and compete with a robot of their own design. Learn and use sophisticated hardware and software. Develop design, project management, programming, teamwork, strategic thinking, and Coopetition® skills. Earn a place in the Championship. Qualify for scholarships at over 180 colleges/universities.
The FIRST teams compete every year against other teams at Dorton Arena for a chance to go to nationals in St. Louis. This year the theme of the competition is Recycle Rush. It involves the robots to move plastic totes, trash cans and pick up pool noodles. The teams have six weeks after learning what the theme is every year to design, build and program their robot. At the end of the six weeks they have to bag the robot up and put a security tag on it to ensure they can’t work on it until time for competition.