Our Values
Why do we build robots, and what is FIRST?
Woodie Flowers explains FRC
Dr. Woodie Flowers, MIT professor & FRC co-founder:
FIRST is more than robots. The robot is a vehicle for learning about science and technology, and also a process for learning about self and society. It's STEM augmented with creative thinking, critical thinking, and leadership.
Under strict rules, with limited time and resources, FIRST® Robotics Competition teams use sophisticated technology to build and program industrial-sized robots to play a themed field game in an action-packed alliance format. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Each team develops a brand, raises funds to meet its goals, and works to promote STEM in the local community. - FIRST
Dr. Woodie Flowers created these two core philosophies as the foundation of FRC culture.
- Gracious Professionalism: We embrace competition, but we are empathetic and kind to our teammates, competitors, and volunteers at the same time. In FRC we try hard but never want to succeed by unfair means or at the expense of others.
- Coopertition: We cooperate and compete at the same time. We are all working toward a larger mission than the competition. In FRC we share resources and parts, help solve problems or fix other teams' robots, and work together to help us all have a better experience.
Last modified 6mo ago