"To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes."
-Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was created in 1989 to fuel the interest of science and engineering in young people. By encouraging students and mentors to work side-by-side in strategy-based challenges, FIRST inspires innovation, communication, leadership, and gracious professionalism.
All fifty states now have FIRST Robotics teams, as do four other countries, making FIRST a truly international experience.
The "build season" of a FIRST Robotics challenge consists of 6 weeks of strategizing, designing, building, programming, and testing out a robot that is supposed to solve a specific problem. Last year, that challenge involved throwing balls into "trailers" on a very slick floor; this year, the challenge is Breakaway.
This year's challenge is "Breakaway":
The game consists of a standard-sized field, divided into three areas by speed bumps. There are two alliances, made up of three teams. Robots attempt to score by herding or kicking soccer balls into alliance goals; no carrying!
The opposing alliance attempts to score on one end of the field, while defending the goals on the other end. In the last 20 seconds of gametime, robots can try for two extra points by climbing one of the field's two towers; hanging onto another robot will win three extra points!
Here is what the field will look like:
Good Luck Everyone!
Team 2335