Manchester-based FIRST announced that the FIRST Robotics Competition will take place on March 5th and 6th in Washington, DC.

 

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, or “FIRST,” sources added that during the event high school teams will participate in the robotics competition. This is an annual event that was initiated by FIRST to motivate high school students working with professional mentors to design and build a robot as a solution to any technical engineering problem.

 

The two-day competition is free and open to the public and media. Every year a new topic is given and this year’s challenge is a high-tech game called “BREAKAWAY.”

 

Also sources added that students from nearly 60 high school teams will be participating in this year’s event. They will be representing 11 states and the District of Columbia. Reporters, photographers and videographers are welcome to witness the event which will take place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at Mount Vernon Place, Washington.

 

The purpose of such a competition is to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators. This will prepare them for a technologically advanced workplace of the future. By designing and building a robot students will learn to compete in a series of challenges as they test their robots, build alliances and take part in team work. Such efforts will also foster professionalism, opine the organizers.

 

FIRST was founded by Dean Kamen, an inventor of repute with an aim to inspire young people to appreciate science and technology. FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills. These programs are expected to motivate young minds to pursue growing opportunities in science, technology and engineering.

 

Being a not for profit organization FIRST is sponsored by several Fortune 500 companies and college scholarships. The FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge for high school students are hosted by the organization. FIRST also conducts FIRST LEGO League for children 9-14 years old and Junior FIRST LEGO League for 6 to 9 year-olds.