FIRST Tech Challenge
A Brief Introduction
The Competition
The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a dynamic and engaging robotics competition designed to inspire and challenge young minds in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Founded by inventor Dean Kamen in partnership with the non-profit organization FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), FTC aims to foster a passion for innovation and problem-solving among students from grades 7 to 12. In this thrilling competition, teams of students design, build, program, and operate their own robots to tackle a series of complex and exciting challenges. Each year, FTC releases a new game or challenge that teams must strategize for, resulting in robots that must possess a diverse set of capabilities, from autonomous navigation to precise manipulation of objects. The competition not only encourages technical skills development but also emphasizes teamwork, collaboration, and gracious professionalism, values that are at the heart of the FIRST philosophy. FTC offers participants the opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios, fostering creativity and a deeper understanding of STEM concepts. With its inclusive and accessible nature, the FIRST Tech Challenge has become a global phenomenon, uniting students, mentors, and volunteers in a celebration of innovation, discovery, and the limitless potential of the next generation of STEM leaders.