FIRST Robotics combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology and is called “the ultimate Sport for the Mind.” High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.”

According to the FIRST Robotics website “Under strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. Each season ends with an exciting FIRST Championship”.

Special thanks to all of the volunteers and participants!

See pictures from the event at https://www.facebook.com/pg/IITSoAT/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2057974400937546

Learn more about FIRST Robotics at https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc

Photo (top, left to right): Some members of the FIRST Robotics volunteer team: Gerry Smith, University of Illinois Chicago; Noah Reardon, Illinois Tech/FIRST Robotics planning team; Kori Browns, alumna/FIRST Robotics planning team; Ryan Kamphuis, high school science teacher at Chicago Public Schools; C. Robert Carlson, dean of the School of Applied Technology; Dan Green, executive director, FIRST Illinois Robotics; Andrew Ebert, digital technology developer consultant at Accenture Interactive/FIRST Robotics planning team; Angie Jarka, assistant director of marketing and administrative services at the School of Applied Technology

Picture description (below):

PWNAGE Team

FIRST Robotics teams unpacking their kits