Welcome to the FIRST Robotics Competition Blog
Your source of season information for the FIRST Robotics Competition.
Black Tote or…?
Sep 22, 2022 Written by Kate Pilotte, Sr. Kit of Parts ManagerThe “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 Manager2023 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 ManagerAs 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 ManagerRaw 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 SpecialistUpdates 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 EngineerAs 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 SpecialistThis 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 StaffHere 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.
Sibling Teams and an Expanded District
Aug 24, 2022 Written by Fiona Hanlon, FIRST Robotics Competition Team Experience Specialist & Collin Fultz, FIRST Robotics Competition Sr. Program ManagerAn announcement about a newly defined term, new guidelines for Sibling Teams to follow, and an expanded FIRST® Robotics Competition District.
District Team Championship Advancement & New Resources
Aug 17, 2022 Written by Collin Fultz, FIRST Robotics Competition Sr. Program Manager & Fiona Hanlon, FIRST Robotics Competition Team Experience SpecialistAn update on District teams advancing to FIRST Championship from Regional events and an overview of new team resources.