• Design and build an autonomous robot using LEGO kits.

• Program it to complete missions on a themed mat.

• Complete a research/innovation project related to the season's theme. 

• Present a core values session to demonstrate teamwork and sportsmanship.

• Team registration: $250-$300

• LEGO Robot Kit: $400-$500 (reusable)

• Field Set and Mat: ~$75

• Event Fees: $50-$200 depending on the location

• Champion's Award: Given to the team that excels across robot performance, project, design, and core values.

• Robot Performance Award: Awarded to the team with the highest score in the robot game. 

• Innovation Project Award: Recognizes a team with a creative and well-researched real-world solution. 

• Core Values Award: Given to the team that best shows teamwork, inclusion, and respect. 

• Robot Design Award: Awarded for strong mechanical and software design with a clear strategy. 

• Breakthrough Award: Recognizes a team that shows significant progress or growth. 

• Engineering Excellence Award: Given to a team with consistent technical quality and creativity. 

• Beginners in robotics and coding

• Team-building and communication skills 

• Understanding the design cycle and soft skills early on

• Build a medium-sized robot that completes in a 12'x12' field. 

• Program an autonomous period and drive with gamepads. 

• Keep an Engineering Notebook documenting every step.

• Compete in alliances of 2v2 matches.

• Team registration: $325

• REV Starter Kit or Custom: $600-$1500 

• Additional parts/tools: $500-$2000, depending on team goals

• Event Fees: $150-$300 per competition

• Inspire Award: The top award for teams that excel in robot design, outreach, performance, and documentation. 

• Think Award: Focuses on high-quality engineering notebook content and technical planning. 

• Connect Award: Recognizes strong engagement with the STEM community and mentors.

• Innovate Award: Given for a creative robot feature or engineering solution.

• Design Award: Recognizes advanced programming, sensors, and control systems. 

• Motivate Award: Given to teams that promote team spirit, branding, and STEM outreach. 

• Winning/Finalist Alliance: Awarded to the top-performing teams in the elimination matches.

• Judges' Award: Optional recognition for a unique accomplishment that stands out.

https://docs.revrobotics.com/docs (REV Robotics documentation)

https://ftc-resources.firstinspires.org/file/ftc/game/manual (FTC Game Manuals)

https://ftcforum.firstinspires.org/ (FTC Forums)

https://www.reddit.com/r/FTC/ (FTC Reddit)

https://www.onshape.com/global-assets/documents/first-robotics/onshapeforfirstteams.pdf (ONSHAPE For FIRST Teams)

• Students with intermediate knowledge of engineering and programming

• Teams wanting creative control over robot design

• Long-term skill development in software and mechanical systems

• Build a large industrial-grade robot from scratch during a 6-week build season. 

• Compete in 3v3 alliances on a basketball-court-sized field. 

• Manage full team roles: build, programming, CAD, media, strategy, safety, and business. 

• Maintain a business plan, outreach portfolio, and detailed documentation. 

• Team registration: ~$5000 (includes Kit of Parts)

• Robot Budget: $10,000-$30,000, depending on sponsorships

• Tools and shop access: varies (usually through schools or partners)

• Travel and lodging: $5000+ for regionals/champs

• Impact Award: Honors a team with outstanding long-term STEM outreach and impact.

• Engineering Inspiration Award: Recognizes teams who inspire others to explore engineering.

• Dean's List Award: Given to individual students who show leadership and dedication.

• Woodie Flowers Award: Honors a mentor who excels in communication and inspiration.

• Excellence in Engineering Award: Given for an elegant and effective engineering solution.

• Innovation in Control Award: Recognizes outstanding use of software and controls.

• Industrial Design Award: Awarded for a practical and functional robot design.

• Quality Award: Given to a team with a well-crafted and reliable robot. 

• Creativity Award: Recognizes unique and original engineering ideas. 

• Entrepreneurship Award: Given to a team with a strong business and sustainability plan.

• Gracious Professionalism Award: Honors respectful and cooperative behavior. 

• Team Spirit Award: Recognizes enthusiasm, unity, and team energy at events.

• Safety Award: Awarded to teams with strong safety practices and culture.

• Judges' Award: Optional award for a special accomplishment outside other categories. 

• Winner/Finalist Awards: Given to the top-performing teams in competition playoffs. 

https://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/frc/competition-manual-qa-system (FTC Game Manual and Q&A Forum)

https://www.youtube.com/@FIRSTRoboticsCompetition/videos (FIRST Robotics YouTube tutorials and livestreams)

https://www.chiefdelphi.com/  (Chief Delphi (major FTC forum)

https://frcdocs.wpi.edu/en/2020/docs/software/wpilib-overview/index.html (WPILib documentation): robot code libraries

https://team2168.org/javadoc/_readthedocs/frc-docs-stable/index.html (FIRST Robotics Competition documentation)

https://onshape4frc.com/ (ONSHAPE For FRC)

• Experienced robotics students looking for a high-level challenge

• Teams with strong mentor support and funding

• Schools with shop space and long-term STEM programs