PolyBOTS

FIRST Involvement

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an organization that supports healthy robotic competitions for youths. PolyBOTS is a major contributor to FIRST. FIRST has two different competitions. FIRST Junior Robotics is a middle school centered competition. FIRST High School Robotics is the more complex high school form of the competition.

FIRST Robotics Competition

The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard “kit of parts” and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in competitions designed by Dean Kamen, Dr. Woodie Flowers, and a committee of engineers and other professionals.  Polybots was initially founded by FIRST students who wanted to give back to the program, and Polybots continues to be populated by many who had beneficial experiences in FIRST.  Every fall, Polybots hosts Saturday workshops that prepares both new and existing FRC teams for next years event.

FIRST Lego League

FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an exciting and fun global robotics program that ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science, and technology in kids ages 9 to 14.  Polybots members volunteer their time hosting training events, constructing fields pieces, and refereeing city-wide competitions.

FIRST Tech Challenge

The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a mid-level robotics competition for high-school students. It offers the traditional challenge of a FIRST Robotics Competition but with a more accessible and affordable robotics kit. Polybots members have served as mentors and members of the FTC planning committee, determined to bring this competition to more schools in the NYC area.