First Robotics Challenge
The First Robotics Challenge encourages its students in a variety of different fields:Marketing: FIRST teams are run like businesses and teams must develop a business plan and raise funds for their participation.
Animation: Each year FIRST presents an animation challenge to accompany the robotics challenge. Teams use Autodesk 3ds Max to create and put together thirty-second animations on that year's challenge.
Engineering: In response to the FIRST Robotics Challenge released in January, teams build a robot in six weeks to compete in that year's game. Teams design, machine, and build their robots within specific weight, time, and fiscal constraint.
Programming: A second aspect of the FRC challenge is the ten-second autonomous mode at the beginning of each match, during which robots have a chance to score using only pre-programmed functions.
Outreach: The FIRST community also encourages outreach. Teams encourage the growth of science and technology in their communities through talks and participation in local events. Some high school teams also mentor and help fund the Lego Robotics teams for middle school students.
Public Relations: Teams are also active in spreading the message of FIRST itself through contact with the media and communication with local companies, government, and state representatives.
