FIRST Robotics Competition Kick-off
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Today was the kick-off of the "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology" or FIRST Robotics Competition.
Thirty-three teams from across North America headed to the kick-off at Kodak Theater Saturday morning to receive their robot kits and equipment for this year's competitive game.
The kick-off also debuted the new competition rules and its unique design challenges for this year.
Teams now have six weeks to build robots for the regional competition.
"This is a great experience for the kids. It's a way to get them interested in science, technology, engineering and math," said Richard Bryant of the FIRST Finger Lakes Planning Committee. "It's one of the most effective programs I've seen that helps encourages students to pursue careers in science and engineering."
Winners from the regional competitions across the country will participate in the national event held in Saint Louis this April.
Last year, 11 area schools represented the Finger Lakes Region at the national competition.
YNN's parent company, Time Warner, is also committed to inspiring kids to develop skills in in STEM fields through the Connect a Million Minds program.
For more information on the initiative, go to Connect a Million Minds.