We thought many (most) of you would never have heard about FIRST or it’s Tech Challenge, so High Peak Youth Robotics’ Head of Marketing, Hannah, explains a little about it and what it is the group is working towards.

What is the FIRST Tech Challenge?

“The First Tech Challenge is a fun and engaging experience for 12-18 year olds. We use our knowledge of tech and what we learn to create a robot that can complete various tasks.”

FIRST is an international organisation which aims to make STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) less intimidating and more diverse and inclusive. Find out more on the FIRST website here. 

What is the theme of this year’s competition?

This year’s competition is called ‘Into the Deep’ and is about innovating to create healthier oceans. Watch the introduction on YouTube here.

What does the robot have to do?

“During the 2.5 minute game, the robot must retrieve some cuboid samples and specimens, then reach up and put them into the 1.1m high baskets to score points. At the end of the game, a team can score more points by making the robot climb the structure in the middle.”

What is the robot made from?

“The robot is made of a selection of metal structures, specialised parts and custom 3D-printed parts. It consists of a base, a grabber, an extending arm and a hopper.”

The robot is operated by a control hub which the group has to program using code.

What are the rules of the competition?

“Some of the rules are:

• there is an autonomous period when the actions have to be previously coded, not driver controlled;
• you can’t hit or block other players;
• you cannot throw the samples into the baskets;
• you and another team are allies and must work together to score points;
• you must match your team colour of specimens to the bar you hang it on.”

How do you win?

“You win by scoring the most points from: getting the correct colour samples in the baskets; getting the right colour specimens on the bar; or your robot ascending the structure!”

Watch a video about the competition on YouTube here.

When is the competition?

The FIRST Tech Challenge regional competition event takes place at Sheffield University on Tuesday 25 March 2025. The teams will play qualifying matches, compete for industry-judged awards and a coveted spot at the UK championships which takes place in June. Winners of this will compete in the FIRST global robotics olympiad!”