That goal starts with sparking the interest of youth -- and a major contributor to generating that curiosity and motivation is the growing success of the proven, nationwide FIRST Robotics (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) program at the high school level. 

The 2008 season kicks off Jan. 5, and for the first time includes a national pilot program called the "Rookie Regional."

“One of the most difficult things perceived about high schools creating a new FIRST Robotics team is the uncertainty of how best to start, how to measure growth and how to be successful competing with and against teams that are more experienced when they get to their first event,” said Francois Castaing, member of the FIRST Board of Directors and original creator of several FIRST teams in Michigan more than 10 years ago. “FIRST Robotics of Michigan believes the new concept of a rookie regional is the answer, and it’s a way for experienced teams to help further the mission of FIRST Robotics’ motto: Gracious Professionalism.”

The Rookie Regional will be held at Kettering University in Flint March 7 and 8.

Basic concepts behind forming the new Rookie Regional, which will act as a pilot program for FIRST Robotics nationwide, include:

* The entry fee is a fraction of the cost of a normal regional competition so new school teams can afford to participate at least twice in their first year.

* Competing only against other rookie teams the first time means less nervousness at the ability to work out any “kinks” in their new robot experience.

* Seasoned teams will partner alongside the rookie teams before and at the regional to show them the way, help with strategy, robot functions, answer questions and more.

Michigan has long been a hotbed of FIRST activity. In 2006, Michigan reached the milestone of 100 high school teams; there were 108 last season and now 116 will participate in 2008, ranking Michigan second nationally for states fielding FIRST Robotics teams. 

FIRST Robotics is a six-week quest to design, build and operate a multi-functional robot that will compete in a “game” designed by Professor Woody Flowers of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dave Lavery, director of exploratory robotics for NASA, and others. FIRST, founded by inventor Dean Kamen, is entering its 20th year of operation. A handful of Michigan teams began competing in 1996 and the state has since produced the international champion in each of five consecutive years (2002-06).

At the Jan. 5 kickoff, teams will learn about the new game contents and rules for 2007 for the very first time and also pick up a set of starter parts supplied by FIRST from its New Hampshire headquarters. While some robotic components and concepts are reused from previous years, FIRST always designs a brand new game with different tactics each year so challenges become fresh and innovative, while also not giving experienced teams too much of an advantage over rookie teams.                                                   

Each team then has six weeks to design and create a functioning robot that will later be used at their choice of 37 regional competitions across the country – including those here in Michigan – plus two in Canada.

At each regional, teams compete in a spirited, no-holds-barred tournament on a large playing field; complete with referees, cheerleaders, scoreboards and time clocks. Participants also compete for other awards, including for community service, marketing, website design and computer animation. 

Other regionals in Michigan include the Detroit Regional at Wayne State University March 14 and 15, the West Michigan Regional at Grand Valley State University March 21 and 22, and the Great Lakes Regional at Eastern Michigan University March 28 and 29. The world championship is at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta April 17-19.