Learn about the backbone that supports the global robotics competitions in which we compete and their derivatives.
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FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global non-profit organization devoted "to create a world where science and technology are celebrated ... where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes" (Dean Kamen, founder). That resounding mission has led to three different competitions in which teams from numerous countries participate, all of them striving for increased attention toward science and technology and gracious professionalism that will assist participants for life.
FRC: it's not about the robot; it's about gracious professionalism, an idea meant to promote constant cooperation among all teams and their respective team members. This program accomplishes its goals by facilitating real-world experience. An advanced robot is built in six weeks according to numerous criteria. During competitions at the regional (various locations throughout the United States) and the national (Atlanta, Georgia) level, the goal of participants is to practice what they have learned about professionalism and apply also what they have done on the robot. At Rocky Mountain Robotics, we try to stress that FRC is absolutely not just about the robot. Find out more at the FIRST website.
FVC encourages construction of a robot with a less expensive and more accessible kit of parts. Evolved from FRC, it is designed for high school students. Unfortunately, Rocky Mountain Robotics does not currently does not have an FVC team, although we assist a team from the da Vinci Academy called the "da Vinci Cheesies." Find out more about the overall competition and the Vex Robotics Design System.
Even if a student is not able to participate in FRC because of obvious age reasons, they can participate in the FIRST Lego League (FLL) competition, which involves constructing a robot out of parts from the LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Invention System. Competitors then participate in various tournaments that represent real-life situations that one might encounter later in life. We recently assisted a local team with their robot and welcome other teams to visit our meetings to see what they might be doing in high school.