FIRST Robotics Competition Blog

Welcome to the FIRST Robotics Competition Blog

Your source of season information for the FIRST Robotics Competition.

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More Than

Sep 27, 2022 Written by Collin Fultz, FIRST Robotics Competition Sr. Program Manager

On September 26, FIRST® announced the launch of More Than, a campaign to dismantle labels for kids and promote self-esteem through STEM.

2023 Safety Animation Award Theme & Safety Manual Now Available!

Sep 23, 2022 Written by Ashley Marie Johnson, FIRST Robotics Competition Program Specialist

We are excited to announce the theme for the 2023 Safety Animation Award sponsored by UL Solutions: Power in the Pits!

Black Tote or…?

Sep 22, 2022 Written by Kate Pilotte, Sr. Kit of Parts Manager

The “Kit” has evolved to include more than just what’s shipped in totes at the start of the season; it’s the Kickoff Kits (totes, Drive Base Kit/voucher), FIRST® Choice, and the Virtual Kit. This year, we're trying something new-ish. 

Events, Event Preferencing, and Teaser!

Sep 21, 2022 Written by Collin Fultz, FIRST Robotics Competition Sr. Program Manager

2023 FIRST Robotics Competition Regional and District events that will be available for the first round of preferencing are now posted for your review! Also included is a reminder about event preferencing and information about the season teaser. 

Payment Term Reminders

Sep 16, 2022 Written by Collin Fultz, FIRST Robotics Competition Sr. Program Manager

As we move closer to event registration and the payment deadline, I wanted to remind teams of changes to the FIRST® payment terms for the 2022-2023 season. These changes impact how team grant funds are used within the FIRST registration system. 

ImPIHRRfect Supply Chains

Sep 14, 2022 Written by Kate Pilotte, Sr. Kit of Parts Manager

Raw materials, labor, and transportation are all volatile. These pieces of the process are less predictable than they’ve been in recent history. We’re seeing it as we source items for Kickoff Kits and FIRST Choice, and we wanted to give you a heads-up too. 

Award Updates for the 2023 Season

Sep 12, 2022 Written by Fiona Hanlon, FIRST Robotics Competition Team Experience Specialist

Updates and changes to judging and awards for the 2023 season.

2022 Control System Reporting, 2023 Updates, and Beta Testing

Sep 09, 2022 Written by Kevin O’Connor, FIRST Robotics Competition Senior Robotics Engineer

As all of you start gearing up for the 2023 season, the Control System Team is gearing up too! We’ve got a number of updates to share with you including Usage Reporting data from the 2022 season, two notes about vision targeting in the 2023 season, and information about Beta Testing.

Timeout & Playoff Tournament Updates

Sep 07, 2022 Written by Fiona Hanlon, FIRST Robotics Competition Team Experience Specialist

This summer, FIRST® Robotics Competition assembled a working group to explore ways to improve the playoff tournament timeout process. We are happy to share some updates on progress we have made so far.

It’s Grant Season!

Aug 30, 2022 Written by FIRST Operations Staff

Here at FIRST®, we understand the importance of fundraising to start or to sustain a FIRST® Robotics Competition team. Today we want to take this time to let our FIRST Robotics Competition teams know about the potential grant opportunities our generous sponsors have to offer.