FIRST Robotics kicks off Jan. 4

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A. Sue Weisler

Area FIRST Robotics competitors will learn about the newest game at the Kick Off event Jan. 4 at Eastman Kodak’s Theater on the Ridge. Last year, more than 3,000 students, teachers and mentors participated in the FIRST Robotics competition.

Even though this year’s FIRST Robotics Competition game is still under wraps, regional FIRST Robotics teams from Rochester and the Northeast are preparing for another season of competitions.

The 2014 game will be announced during a live, nationwide telecast hosted by FIRST founder Dean Kamen at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, in Eastman Kodak’s Theater on the Ridge.

More than 800 students, faculty and mentors from 34 regional teams are expected at the local kickoff event. Kamen, along with a group of supporters from industry, academia, government and entertainment, will describe the new game and its unique design challenges.

Teams will receive the robot kits and equipment for the new competitive game at the kickoff and will be able to see a demonstration-set up in preparation for the annual, regional event. Teams will then have six weeks to build robots for the Finger Lakes regional competition March 27–29, 2014, at Gordon Field House at Rochester Institute of Technology.

2014 marks the 10^th anniversary of the regional event being held in Rochester. Eleven local teams have been participating since the first competition in 2005. All of these teams have gone on to represent the region at one or more of the FIRST Robotics Championship events over the past 10 years.

“The Finger Lakes Regional is known for having strong teams,” said Glen Pearson, regional director. “Our event always features to-level competition and draws strong teams from other parts of the country and Canada. With 48 teams registered for 2014, we anticipate another exciting, high-energy event.”

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) began in 1989 to spark interest in science through solving engineering problems in a friendly, intense competition. Winners from regional competitions across the country will participate in the national event April 24–26, 2014, in St. Louis.

Both the kickoff on Jan. 4 and the regional event in March are free and open to the public, Pearson added. More information about the Finger Lakes Region FIRST Competition can be found at the FIRST Robotics website.

WHAT: 2014 Finger Lakes Regional FIRST Robotics Kickoff

WHERE: Eastman Kodak’s Theater on the Ridge, 200 Ridge Road West

WHEN: 9–9:45 a.m. Jan. 4: Team registration and refreshments

10–10:30 a.m.: Regional news and welcome

10:30–11:30 a.m.: National broadcast with FIRST Founder Dean Kamen

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Demonstration on model playing field