With the 2021 FIRST® Robotics Competition Kickoff: FIRST® GAME CHANGERSSM, on January 9, consider using pneumatics in your robot!
FIRST Scholarship Provider: National Fluid Power Association
Nov 04, 2020 Written by FIRST Scholarship Provider: National Fluid Power Association
Innovation at FIRST®
From engineering and coding to design-thinking and community outreach, solving challenges with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) is behind everything we do in the FIRST® community. FIRST programs provide the essential hands-on education, experiences, and inspiration young people need to be driven and build a better world.
Beyond game-play and team challenges, students are expanding their curiosity and confidence to create a better future for themselves and their communities through observing opportunities to real-world problem-solve for improvements, innovation, and inclusion.
To help all FIRST students take their innovations further, we’ve compiled a list of tips and resources for the innovation process and intellectual property.
From improvements to the water cycle and making space duration more accessible to innovative solutions in waste management and parent-to-school communications, FIRST students have brought their inventions to market, received patents, and incorporated as businesses. Check out recent FIRST team and alumni innovation stories and updates:
- Team Phenomena and 'Pheno-Advance' on CBS This Morning
- Team Zebracorns and 'InSoul' on Cheddar News
- Team NXTreme and the app 'PickUp Patrol'
- Crescent Valley Robotics Team Issued Patent
FIRST LEGO League – Innovation Project
As part of the MASTERPIECE season, FIRST LEGO League Challenge teams will use critical thinking and innovation to inspire others to learn and be entertained.
Students will collaborate on their ideas and must consider efficient design for their user, possible barriers to implementation, document the evaluation of their invention, and validate their design with professionals working in STEM.
Visit the FIRST LEGO League Blog for tips about the MASTERPIECE Innovation Project.
For questions about the FIRST LEGO League Innovation Project, email FIRST LEGO League.
Additional COVID-19 Guidance for FIRST Robotics Teams
Nov 03, 2020 Written by Frank Merrick, Director FIRST Robotics CompetitionJust like the other FIRST Programs, FIRST Robotics Competition has developed a document to help navigate this season during the pandemic.
Season Timeline
The FIRST Tech Challenge in North America and Mexico is a year-long program, starting with registration in May and ending with the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship in April. The competition season varies from region to region, but can start as early as October and run as long as April for teams that advance. The following chart details the different aspects of the season and when they happen:
FIRST Announces New Hire to Lead and Expand Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Program
Dr. Janell N. Catlin Builds on the Robotics Community’s Mission to Make STEM Education More Accessible to All Students
FIRST Scholarship Provider: Kettering University
Oct 26, 2020 Written by FIRST Scholarship Provider: Kettering University
The Kettering/GMI Alumni Association is excited to offer sponsorships at multiple levels
The Enduring Legacy of Gracious Professionalism
Oct 22, 2020 By FIRST Staff
The legacy of Dr. Woodie Flowers, FIRST EAB Chair Emeritus and Distinguished Advisor, lives on as the FIRST community continues to embody his words and actions through Gracious Professionalism, the Woodie Flowers Award, the Woodie Flowers Memorial Grant, and reminders to #WalkLikeWoodie.
Safety Animation Award Theme and other Award updates
Oct 22, 2020 Written by Jamee Luce, Team Advocate, FIRST Robotics Competition.The Safety Animation Award theme is here! Plus, other awards updates to share!
Disney and Lucasfilm Join Forces with Global Nonprofit FIRST to Continue Inspiring the Next Generation of Heroes and Innovators
Star Wars: Force for Change Philanthropic Initiative to Continue Expanding Access to FIRST programs with financial, in-kind and mentorship resources
2021 Beta Testing and 2020 Data Usage Reporting
Oct 16, 2020 Written by Kevin O'Connor, Senior Robotics Engineer, FIRST Robotics Competition.We are looking for beta testers for the 2021 control system! The initial deadline is October 23, however the form will remain open and teams may be admitted on a rolling basis until capacity is reached. Plus check out all the robot data from 2020!