Robotics teams battle at Oak Ridge

Fourteen Northern California robotics teams competed at the second annual FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Qualifying Tournament at Oak Ridge High School Sunday.

The event was hosted by the FIRST FTC Team No. 4238 — Robo Chicken Gator Flys of Papayaland and Playing @Learning. Two winning teams will advance to the NorCal Championship being held on Sunday, Feb. 24, at the Newark Memorial High School in Fremont. Winning the field competition as the Alliance Captain was the RoboKnights, Team No. 5220, from Fremont. Scotbotics, Team No. 3873, from Piedmont received the Inspire Award, which advances them to the regional NorCal Championship as well. The Inspire Award is the top award in a tournament. It is given to the best overall team, incorporating robot design, team spirit, community outreach and competition performance.

The mission of FIRST Robotics is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, inspire innovation, and foster well-rounded life capabilities including self- confidence, communication, and leadership.

Teams begin working on their robots in September, and the competition concludes at the World Championship in April. FIRST Tech Challenge Teams are made up of middle and high school age students.

For more information about the FIRST organization visit usfirst.org and NorCalFTC.org.