FIRST Robotics Competition Blog

Welcome to the FIRST Robotics Competition Blog

Your source of season information for the FIRST Robotics Competition.

Subscribe
 

Houston Wrap-Up

May 02, 2022 Written by Frank Merrick, Director FIRST Robotics Competition

Wow, what a fantastic FIRST Championship in Houston! And it was so wonderful to once again see great friends and watch terrific matches! With 30,000+ attendees across all programs, it was a heck of a party.

FIRST Championship!

Apr 19, 2022 Written by Frank Merrick, Director FIRST Robotics Competition

While some folks arrived earlier, most of the FIRST staff and I arrived in Houston yesterday for FIRST Championship. 

Congratulations and We’re Not Done Yet!

Apr 14, 2022 Written by Frank Merrick, Director FIRST Robotics Competition

A huge congratulations to all the teams that participated in FIRST Robotics Competition this season.

Sunset on the 2022 Kit of Parts

Apr 13, 2022 Written by Kate Pilotte, Sr. Kit of Parts Manager

If anyone can snap their fingers and erase any and all supply chain issues for the next several months, please let me know. Until that magical person comes forward though, the Kit of Parts team is working to source material for the 2023 Kickoff Kits, FIRST Choice, and Virtual Kit. 

Timeout Trouble

Mar 29, 2022 Written by Frank Merrick, Director FIRST Robotics Competition

We’ve seen a few instances this season of teams not making it back to the field before timeout expiration resulting in them being excluded from match participation. This is a feels-bad moment for all involved – teams, volunteers, spectators, and FIRST HQ – as we all want to see teams on the field playing. I am sorry for the distress this has caused.

Guest Blog: Screws Loose?

Mar 23, 2022 Written by AndyMark, Inc

Hello Teams,

AndyMark has identified an issue within the AM14U5 Drive Base Kits provided in teams’ Kit of Parts this season. 

Priority Waitlist Slot Releases

Mar 18, 2022 Written by Frank Merrick, Director FIRST Robotics Competition

In the Championship Potpourri Blog, we explained the Priority Waitlist Process. Step #2 in that process was indicated as “Determine the number of slots to be awarded based on FIRST Championship declines, position in the season, and any other factors.” I would like to give you a little more detail on that step and tell you how we plan to be more transparent on that determination.

Week One

Mar 09, 2022 Written by Frank Merrick, Director FIRST Robotics Competition

I am happy to report that Week One competitions are done, and the season is off to an exciting start. We saw some amazing robots and it felt good to get back to seeing friends again at in-person competitions. 

Guest Blog: Inspection Reflection, Part 2

Mar 02, 2022 Written by Al Skierkiewicz & Chuck Dickerson, FIRST Robotics Competition Chief Robot Inspectors

As the Chief Robot Inspectors, we would like to mention a few processes and options for inspection of which teams may not be aware. This is part 2 of Inspection Reflection, be sure to also check out part 1.

The FIRST Reporting Portal is LIVE!

Feb 28, 2022 Written by Lee Doucette, FIRST Youth Protection Program Manager

We want to make sure everyone is aware that FIRST® has an online Reporting Portal for community members to report Youth Protection concerns, Medical Incidents, or other concerns.