What is First Tech Challenge?

FIRST Tech Challenge in Minnesota (MN FTC) is part of an international robotics program that includes more than 6400 teams globally. High Tech Kids, in partnership with FIRST, has been bringing FIRST Tech Challenge to Minnesota since 2013.

Teams of up to fifteen students collaborate to build and program a robot that competes on a 12’ by 12’ field. Each year the challenge is designed to challenge students to think critically and expand their knowledge of the engineering process.

This team-based, hands-on, competitive robotics program provides challenging and exciting learning opportunities for young people. It develops teamwork and leadership skills and promotes excitement in science and technology.

The FTC challenge is released at the beginning of September. Teams typically meet two to three times per week and participate in qualifying events from November through January. Teams do not have a restrictive build season.

Robot Game

• Teams design, build and program a robot to compete on a 12′ x 12′ field in an alliance format. Teams may participate in multiple competitions and an iterative design process is encouraged.

Engineering Portfolio and Engineering Notebook

• Teams develop an Engineering Notebook to document their robot design iterations, programming changes, community outreach, team brainstorming sessions, and team meetings. Teams are then asked to compress their notebook for competition into a 15 page Engineering Portfolio.

Community Outreach

• Teams connect with both their local and engineering communities. Outreach occurs in many ways, such as; starting and mentoring other FIRST teams, demonstrating robotics at the local library or company, volunteering in a school, and volunteering at an official FIRST competition. There are an infinite number of other possibilities.

More Information

You can find out more information on the FIRST Tech Challenge National Website Here: https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/ftc

High Tech Kids is our Minnesota FTC Partner that sponsors all the state level competitions, you can find more information specifially about FTC in Minnesota at their website here: https://hightechkids.org/ftc-overview/