Frequently Asked Questions

What is FIRST?
So it is like "Battle Bots"?
So can't you destroy other people's robots?
What's the point then?
What can I do?
How will this help me in the future?
Do you make everything yourself?
Who are all the adults wandering around the workshop?
What is the competition?
Can I skip meetings but still attend the competition?

 

What is FIRST?

FIRST is an organization founded by Dean Kamen in the 1980s to promote science and technology in schools. The first FIRST Robotics Competition took place in 1992. Since then, the program has exploded into an international phenomenon, with such countries as Turkey, Brazil, and Canada participating. In each FIRST challenge (FLL, FTC, and FRC), teams create robots geared toward a specific game, which changes yearly.

So it is like "Battle Bots"?

No. The challenges are non-violent games such as modified soccer, capture the flag, etc. Teams are encouraged to work together to reach a common goal - in fact, to damage another team's robot on purpose or consistently will give you a penalty.

So can't you destroy other people's robots?

No! The competition is structured by alliances; each match, your team is allied with two other teams from the competition. All three teams create a plan to score higher in the game than the opposite alliance. The alliances shift throughout the day, so if you damage a rival's robot, you may be in trouble next time you're allied with that rival team! There are also the philosophies of Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition, which the FIRST organization teach to create a fulfilling and fun environment for everyone involved.

What's the point then?

FIRST was created to interest students in the fields of technology and engineering. The competition is a chance to learn basic engineering principles and to work together with peers to create a masterpiece. Students involved in FIRST exit the program with a sense of confidence and future plans that many students don't develop until college. The competition is also an irreplaceable experience in cooperation and innovation.

What can I do?

The robotics team has subgroups specializing in almost every discipline. If you enjoy working with computers, math, or programming, join the Programming Team. If you like engineering, putting things together or finding out how they work, or physics, join the Build Team. If your interests lie in Math, English, or Graphic Arts, join the Media and Fundraising Teams. FIRST Robotics welcomes all interests.

How will this help me in the future?

FIRST Robotics participation looks great on a college or job application. It helps students learn engineering principles and how to prioritize their activities.

Do you make everything yourself?

Yes. The team's students design and create the entire robot, with help from mentors. Only the most difficult parts are engineered by our professional mentors; everything else is entirely created by the students. A student CAD expert creates all the designs, with which the student build team builds the robot. Student programmers work with the build team to wire electronics and, of course, program the robot. Mentors primarily provide a helping hand when times get tough; otherwise, the students run the show.

Who are all the adults wandering around the workshop?

The mentors! Mentors are an invaluable asset to the team, offering experience and expertise in all areas of the build. They teach the students everything they need to know for the build season.

What is the competition?

The competition is a three-day test of the six-weeks' work. It is the weekend that the entire team looks forward to, and dreads. Read more in the blog (March 3, 2011; March 4, 2011; March 5, 2011) or watch the experience. See this year's competition here.

Can I skip meetings but still attend the competition?

No. Don't even dare. You should be attending meetings regularly, and participating in the build season. If you only attend three times, you will be unable to attend the competition. However, if you attend 27 meetings, you'll be more eligible to come. There are also season-specific requirements in fundraising, etc., that you must meet.