Diving into the World of FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

Mar 23

3 min read

The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is a premier international program that challenges high school students to design, build, and program industrial-sized robots for competitive play. Founded by Dean Kamen and Woodie Flowers in 1992, FRC aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by engaging them in mentor-based programs that build STEM skills, inspire innovation, and foster well-rounded life capabilities.

What is FRC?

FRC is designed for students aged 14 to 18, providing them with real-world engineering experiences. Each year, teams receive a standard kit of parts and a set of game rules, challenging them to build a robot capable of performing specific tasks in a themed game. The competition emphasizes not only robot performance but also teamwork, innovation, and community engagement.

The Challenge

Each season, FRC unveils a new game that presents unique challenges for the robots. Teams must strategize and engineer their robots to complete tasks such as scoring balls into goals, placing objects on racks, or climbing structures.For instance, in the 2025 season's game, "REEFSCAPE," teams are tasked with using their engineering skills to strengthen one of the ocean’s most diverse habitats.

Building the Robot

Teams have a six-week period, known as the "build season," to design, build, and program their robots. This process involves:

Designing: Utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) software to plan the robot's structure and functionality.
Building: Constructing the robot using materials such as aluminum, steel, and polycarbonate, integrating motors, sensors, and control systems.
Programming: Coding the robot's autonomous and teleoperated behaviors using languages like Java or Android Studio.
Testing: Iteratively testing and refining the robot to ensure reliability and effectiveness during competition.

This hands-on experience mirrors real-world engineering projects, requiring collaboration, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Example of an FRC Robot from a Past Season

Competitions

After the build season, teams participate in regional and district competitions where their robots compete in alliances to complete game objectives. These events are high-energy, with teams showcasing their robots' capabilities and strategizing with alliance partners. Outstanding teams have the opportunity to advance to the FIRST Championship, a culminating event that brings together teams from around the world to compete and celebrate their achievements.

Beyond the Robot

FRC is about more than just building robots; it fosters a culture of "Gracious Professionalism" and "Coopertition."Teams are encouraged to:

Engage with their communities: Promoting STEM education through outreach programs, demonstrations, and mentorship.
Develop business plans: Managing budgets, securing sponsorships, and handling logistics.
Cultivate teamwork and leadership skills: Working collaboratively and leading initiatives within their teams and communities.

These experiences equip students with skills applicable beyond the competition, preparing them for future careers and endeavors.

Conclusion

The FIRST Robotics Competition offers high school students an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the fields of science and technology. By participating, students gain practical experience, develop critical skills, and join a global community passionate about innovation and STEM. Whether you're a student, educator, or potential mentor, FRC provides a platform to inspire and be inspired.

At Reboot Robotics, we’re dedicated to supporting students and coaches/mentors as they navigate the exciting world of FIRST. While we aspire to see an all-homeschooled team compete in FRC under Reboot Robotics, we recognize the challenges such an endeavor entails, including significant financial requirements and the necessity for ample workspace.For instance, starting an FRC team involves securing funding, organizing resources, and finding a suitable meeting place with access to tools. We hope that in the future, these obstacles can be overcome, making this vision a reality. In the meantime, we will continue to dream big and focus on expanding our FLL and FTC teams. We welcome any ideas or suggestions from our community on how to make this goal achievable.