Any robotics competition experts? (FIRST vs VEX)

[MichelleinMaine]

I am trying to put together a FIRST robotics team for DS's high school next year. (He is currently on a VEX team, but you can only participate if you are in a particular science class. For a variety of reasons, he will not be taking the class next year. There is a group of them in the same boat.)

I'm trying to figure the difference between First Tech and First Robotics. It appears Tech reuses the same system year to year and Robotics requires more fundraising. (?) I am not really sure I understand how the actual competition differs- from each other, and from VEX (or compared to VEX).

 

[HappyHaunts999]

F.I.R.S.T. Robotics is a lot of work. Each year they are given a new challenge and they have to design, build, and program a robot from scratch in 6 weeks. they are given a kit at the beginning with certain things they will need but have to buy they rest of the material. You can look on their web site to get ideas from past years as well as youtube. Depending on were and how many compatitions you attend will decide how much money is needed.
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/start-an-frc-team

Good Luck

 

[MichelleinMaine]

F.I.R.S.T. Robotics is a lot of work. Each year they are given a new challenge and they have to design, build, and program a robot from scratch in 6 weeks. they are given a kit at the beginning with certain things they will need but have to buy they rest of the material. You can look on their web site to get ideas from past years as well as youtube. Depending on were and how many compatitions you attend will decide how much money is needed.
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/start-an-frc-team

Good Luck

Thanks- so is the difference between Robotics and Tech the time factor? As said, I'm used to Vex where (as I understand it) they will be getting their "task" sometime this spring for competitions next spring. Is that more like Tech then?

 

[HappyHaunts999]

My DD did first for four years and then mentored. I don't know about tech. First gets the challenge in Jan, has six weeks to build and ship. It is a crazy time. They were there seven days a week during that time. I am happy to answer anything I can.

 

[HappyHaunts999]

BTW, Keep in mind the cost of tools if the school does not already have them. You will need to cut sheet metal, pipes, and other such things. You may want to look into joining another team if you have one by you. You can look up teams on the FRIST web site and talk with the mentors and see if they can help.

 

[StitchFanZ]

FIRST has two robotics programs for high school. Sound like you have been looking into FRC http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc.

They also have First Tech Challenge (FTC) http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc which might be closer to what they do with the VEX team. I have coached a FTC team for a few years. It is an awesome program plus the cost to get started is a lot less then the FRC team.

 

[StitchFanZ]

I also meant to say that I love the First Tech Challenge (FTC) level which might be closer to what they do with the VEX team. I have coached a FTC team for a few years. It is an awesome program plus the cost to get started is a lot less then the FRC team. When I checked into the two programs FRC was thousands more then FTC to get started.
For our state the FTC season is pretty long which is nice as it allows the kids time to think, practice and do other activites. The challenge is released in September and we compete in Jan/Feb.

 

[disneyelaine]

My son was in FIRST (rookie team in 2010 started by 1 boy and my son basically). Now he and my husband are Mentors. It is a great program and has given my son a lot of enjoyment. I do know it is expensive, so you will need some good sponsors. His team does a fundraiser car wash and will probably be doing more things in the future. They are a small team with about 6 to 8 kids. Competitions seem to cost around 3000 to 5000 dollars a pop. (costs are listed on the website). I am not sure of the rest of the costs involved. I know they buy a lot of parts.

This is prime season right now with all the Regionals going on. We have lived and breathed Robotics in this house nearly 24/7 since January. (well since 2010 I guess really) They love it! The skills and dedication the kids have are awesome! They learn so much!

Sorry I do not know anything about the other program you mentioned.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

I also meant to say that I love the First Tech Challenge (FTC) level which might be closer to what they do with the VEX team. I have coached a FTC team for a few years. It is an awesome program plus the cost to get started is a lot less then the FRC team. When I checked into the two programs FRC was thousands more then FTC to get started.
For our state the FTC season is pretty long which is nice as it allows the kids time to think, practice and do other activites. The challenge is released in September and we compete in Jan/Feb.

Yes, I even found some link saying FTC used to be VEX, but it split off?
Frankly, I think we will be going this FTC route. Sounds like much less start up and longer season. My DS and his best friend (two I know who are doing it anyway) are both seniors next year. ALready alot of stress, not sure adding 6 weeks of daily robotics is what they are looking at!

 

[My2Cinderellas]

DD's school had 2 teams do FIRST Tech Challenge. It's more common here than Robotics. She had fun and is planning on doing it again next year.