How it Works
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
