Ever hear of F.I.R.S.T. (For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology) Robotics Competition (FRC)? FIRST’s website (www.usfirst.org/frc) describes the competition: “The varsity sport for the mind,” FRC combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 25 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. It’s as close to “real-world engineering” as a student can get.”
In 2011 Collbran Job Corps’ Robotics Team #1158 competed for the 9th consecutive year. Robots are built in six weeks from a common kit of parts provided by FIRST and weigh up to 120 pounds (excluding battery and bumpers). In the past Team #1158 has won several awards, including Rookie of the Year and the best sportsmanship award, advancing to the national competition in Atlanta. In 2011 the team was awarded the Creativity Award at the Denver Regional Competition, based on the design of its mini-robot (the “mini-bot” was attached to the main robot and engaged during the final seconds of each match) which resulted in less weight, and the use of the clip to attach the mini-robot to the pole it had to climb.
Upon returning to Collbran Job Corps’ campus Team #1158 was invited to showcase its 2011 robot at Mesa State College in Grand Junction. During the presentation a Mesa State programming student who served as a mentor to the team talked about the challenges in programming a robot to compete against other robots in a sporting competition.
Dean Kamen, founder of the program, is an inventor, entrepreneur, and advocate for science and technology. FIRST, based in Manchester, NH, was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. The program is supported by a network of more than 3,500 corporations, educational and professional institutions, and individuals; with an overall reach of 248,000+ students (22,475 teams); 20,675 robots; 66,000 mentors/adult supporters; and 35,000+ event volunteers. FIRST’s scholarship program has awarded more than $14 million in college scholarships.