FIRST Robotics Competition: Full Details and Tips for Success

Updated: 19.05.2025

Read time: 3 min read

What Is the FIRST Robotics Competition?

During this competition, high school teams are challenged to design, build, and program robots to complete annual engineering tasks, working with mentors and competing at regional and national events; success is measured by robot performance, innovation, and teamwork, with awards for the best teams.

The event is sponsored by FIRST, a nonprofit organization.

Where Is the FIRST Robotics Competition Held?

The Robotics Competition events take place in person at regional, district, and national venues worldwide, including arenas and convention centers. Teams must register and build robots locally but can come from many countries.

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About the FIRST Robotics Competition: Building Futures Through STEM and Innovation

The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is organized by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a U.S.-based nonprofit founded in 1989 by inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen. The organization’s mission is to inspire young people to become leaders in science and technology by engaging them in exciting, mentor-based programs that build skills in engineering, teamwork, and innovation.

FRC is managed by FIRST’s Programs and Events division, which collaborates with schools, educators, and thousands of volunteers to deliver large-scale robotics competitions across the globe. Designed for high school students, the program challenges teams to design, build, and program industrial-size robots to complete complex tasks in a themed, time-limited game.

More than just a competition, FRC emphasizes core values like gracious professionalism and coopertition—encouraging students to collaborate even as they compete. With mentorship from industry professionals and support from major tech companies and universities, students gain real-world engineering experience while also developing leadership and communication skills.

Since the first season in 1992, the FIRST Robotics Competition has grown into a global movement, with tens of thousands of students participating annually. Its long-standing goal is to turn inspiration into action, helping young people envision and create a better future through STEM.

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Key Details

Subjects: Robotics, engineering, STEM, teamwork

How to Enter: Form a team, register through FIRST, and design/build a robot to compete in annual challenges at regional events.

Age Range: High school students (ages 14–18)

Competition Format: Teams build a robot to complete annual engineering challenges and compete in regional and national events.

Recognition: Awards for engineering, innovation, team spirit, and competition performance.

Sample Task: Design a robot that can pick up balls and shoot them into a goal from varying distances.

Our Tips for Succeeding in the FIRST Robotics Competition

Build a strong, diverse team and assign roles based on individual strengths. Study the annual game manual thoroughly and brainstorm strategic robot designs. Prototype, test, and iterate your robot, and document your engineering process. Practice teamwork, communication, and gracious professionalism at all times. Attend workshops, seek mentorship, and participate in scrimmages to gain experience before competitions.

FAQs

How Hard is it to Stand Out in the FIRST Robotics Competition?

The Competition is highly competitive, with teams worldwide competing in regional and national events. Winning requires excellence in engineering, strategy, and teamwork.