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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FIRST Choice: Deadline Update

Nov 30, 2022 Written by Kate Pilotte, Senior Kit of Parts Manager

We’re announcing a shift in the payment deadline for inclusion in FIRST Choice Round 1 out a day to Friday, December 2 at 4pm (Eastern)! FIRST® Choice now closes Friday, December 2 at 4pm Eastern (but orders are only processed for teams that have secured registration payment by this deadline). 

FIRST Mentor Network: Matching Mentors with Teams for Success

Nov 29, 2022 Written by Natalie Turcotte, Sr. Manager, Systems and Training

As teams get into the swing of the season, they might need additional help and expertise. The FIRST® Mentor Network sponsored by NI is here to help.  The community platform provides new and returning FIRST teams access to passionate, engaged mentors, while giving mentors the opportunity to use their unique skill sets and have meaningful involvement with one or more teams. The platform is available to participants in the US and Canada*.

2023 Season Updates

Nov 17, 2022 Written by Collin Fultz, FIRST Robotics Competition Senior Program Director

FIRST Choice opening reminder, and updates to the 2023 China Regional and Bumper Rules. 

FIRST Youth Protection

Nov 14, 2022 Written by Collin Fultz, FIRST Robotics Competition Senior Program Director

Safety is at the forefront of FIRST® participation. The FIRST Youth Protection Program provides all participants in FIRST programs information, guidelines, and procedures to create a safe environment for our student participants. The information below contains key components of the FIRST Youth Protection Program that all adults and youth – especially mentors and event volunteers – should be aware of while participating in FIRST programs.

Digital Animation Award, Award Update, and Video Request

Nov 10, 2022 Written by Fiona Hanlon, FIRST Robotics Competition Team Experience Specialist

Submissions are now open for the Digital Animation Award! Also included: a sneak peak of the 2023 FIRST Robotics Competition medallions and information about how your team can get featured at an event this season. 

2023 Approved Devices, Rules Preview, and Vision Target Update

Nov 09, 2022 Written by Kevin O’Connor, FIRST Robotics Competition Sr. Robotics Engineer

With Kickoff fast approaching, we are finalizing the game manual and wanted to share some details about 2023 Robot Rules that we think may help teams prepare for the season.

Learn CAD with New Onshape Resources

Nov 07, 2022 Written by Drew Bennett, PTC Education Solutions Engineer and FIRST Robotics Competition Team 4564 Alumnus

Using CAD software is a great way to design your FIRST® Robotics Competition robots! Designing your robot in a digital format allows you to detail out parts and assemblies and identify possible issues before they happen in real life. It’s also a great way for individuals to present their ideas for robot subsystems. If your team is looking for a CAD and data management solution for this season, Onshape is a free, cloud-based, collaborative CAD software that can be used on any device.

Increased Woodie Flowers Finalist Awards at District Championships

Nov 03, 2022 Written by The Woodie Flowers Award Committee

Build Community and Support the FIRST Mission

Oct 28, 2022 Written by Collin Fultz, FIRST® Alum & FIRST® Robotics Competition Program Director

FIRST® and many of our Program Delivery Partners are non-profits. In fact, FIRST is one of the highest rated non-profits by Charity Navigator

A New Regional

Oct 25, 2022 Written by Collin Fultz, FRC Senior Program Director

It takes extraordinary circumstances for us to add a regional event after both the first and second rounds of event preferencing have run. This year in Mexico, those extraordinary circumstances have happened!