FIRST Robotics Competition Program Highlights

Photos by Lipofsky.com    

Now that Rebound Rumble℠ has been revealed to teams, the 2012 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) season has kicked into high gear. This year, there’s a lot that’s new for teams. The game manual and Game Design Committee (GDC) Q&A are now hosted online in a searchable format and are available on mobile devices via iOS and Android. This new system makes access easier and more user friendly for team members. A group of four FRC Alumni from Diamond Bullet Studios developed a simulation of the 2012 FRC game that was used by the Game Design Committee during game development and which is currently available to all teams. The ability to play the game virtually in a physics-correct environment will open new doors for teams as they design their robot and develop strategies of play.

For the first time this year, the Kit of Parts includes product donation vouchers from the Automotive Recyclers Association, BaneBots, DigiKey, and Inventables which may be redeemed by teams for parts. Vouchers expand the potential list of Kit of Parts elements almost exponentially. Plus, FIRST Choice returns this year, bigger and better than ever before.

Local Help with Microsoft Kinect^® for the 2012 FRC Game... Microsoft is very excited about supporting FRC teams by providing direct technical support and assistance. If you have a Microsoft store nearby, call and ask for the Community Development Specialist. If you have questions specific to the Kinect, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

While teams design, build, and program their robots, Staff will be holding trainings for key Volunteers, troubleshooting systems, and preparing for competition. They’re building 2012 game fields, programming the Field Management Systems, working out trucking routes, ordering supplies, and packing road cases in order to bring the fun to events all over the world. In the field, Regional Directors and teams of Volunteers on Regional Planning Committees are preparing for local competition events. It’s going to be a great year!

February 21, 2012 is Stop Build Day. Teams must seal their robots in special isolation bags and make arrangements to transport their robot to their first competition event. Some teams use this period of quiet before the competition storm to recover from the six weeks of build season. Others start planning their game strategy, designing their pit space, developing their wardrobe for team spirit, and working out plans to make the most of the coming competition season.

Teams will gather every weekend between March 1 and April 14 to compete at one or more of the 52 regional events, 15 district events and 2 region championships being held in the 2012 season. These 2-3 day events are exciting, awe inspiring, and free to the public. You can watch teams compete on the game field, working in three team Alliances to best the opposing team. The public is also invited to visit teams in the pit area and see the robots up close and in person. Pack your safety glasses, put on your closed toe shoes, and attend an event near you. Come meet the bright young minds of the future and support the greatest robot sport in the world.

All this activity culminates in the FIRST Championship, April 25-28 in St. Louis, Missouri. We hope to see you there! Source