FIRST Robotics

Overview

FIRST is a youth robotics organisation that runs a ladder of team-based robotics programmes for different ages. Teams design, build and program robots, then compete at local events with the chance to advance to championship events. According to FIRST, the 2024-2025 season involved about 93,000 students in 35 countries.

Programmes by age

FIRST runs three robotics programmes. A student normally joins the one that matches their age and school grade.

How the FRC season works

• A new game challenge is released each January.

• Teams receive a Kit of Parts and build an industrial-sized robot to play the game.

• Matches are played by alliances of three teams on a themed field.

• Teams compete at local and regional events and can advance to championships.

• FIRST states that the 2027 season is called BIOCORE, part of the FIRST CANOPY initiative, with the game release on 9 January 2027.

Who can take part

Participation is as a team, not as an individual entrant. Students join through a school or community team, guided by adult mentors. FIRST describes mentorship, fundraising and community STEM outreach as part of running an FRC team.

Fees and registration

Registration and cost details are given on the FIRST website under "Cost & Registration" for each programme and season. Fees are not listed on the programme overview page, so check the current figures there before planning a team budget.

Preparation tips

• Join or start a team through a school, club or local FIRST partner.

• Learn the season game rules once released; the manual is the reference for every build decision.

• Split the team into build, programming, design and outreach roles so that students with different skills can contribute.