More than Robots
FIRST was started in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen. The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) programs aim to create passion for science and technology in team members. The FIRST program encourages Gracious Professionalism and “coopertition”, sportsmanship amongst teams even in the face of competition. Through FIRST, team members build technical skills, and foster teamwork and leadership skills. For more information on FIRST, please visit www.firstinspires.org.
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
The FIRST organisation runs three levels of robotics competition for different age groups. The FIRST Robotics Competition is for 14-18 year olds. The robots weigh up to 56 kg and are largely constructed out of custom metal and polycarbonate. While there are rules that restrict some aspects of the robot build, teams have a great deal of freedom to design mechanisms to compete the season game challenges.
A typical FRC build season…
The FRC Build season starts in early January. Australian and International teams compete in the Southern Cross Regionals (NSW) in mid-March. XLR8 also competes in July at the Melbourne Robotics Tournament.
Game Challenge
FIRST Robotic Competition (FRC) release the season game challenge in early January.
Design and Build
Team members work over 6 weeks to design, build and program a robot to meet the season’s challenge.
XLR8 2022 Robot
Completed robot in mid-March ready for Regionals.
Southern Cross Regionals
Two teams of three robots compete to score the most points.
Melbourne Robotics Tournament
XLR8 competing at Blackburn High School (Vic Winter School Holidays).
“You have teenagers thinking they’re going to make millions as NBA stars when that’s not realistic for even 1 percent of them. Becoming a scientist or engineer is.”
Dean Kamen
American engineer, inventor, and businessman.
Co-Founder of FIRST