Dean Kamen, founder of For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), was joined by former Presidents, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and other celebrities through video to begin the 21st FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) season with the launch of an advanced robotics game, Rebound Rumble. Approximately 60,000 people across the globe joined the event through live NASA-television broadcast and webcast.
Dean Kamen
The “Rebound Rumble” robotics game is played between two Alliances, comprising three teams each. Both Alliances will have to score points during the 2 min and 15 sec basketball match. The team who has scored the maximum balls in the hoops will get more points. At the end of the match, bonus points will be given to the Alliances if they are balanced on bridges.
The FRC event, sponsored by PTC, NASA and Needham, presents a chance for teams participating in the 2012 season to experience new rules and challenges of the game.
At the event, the FIRST teams viewed the “Rebound Rumble” game playing field. They were given a kit that included a control system, motors, batteries, a PC, and a combination of automation components. No instructions were given to them. Students will work with mentors to design, develop, program, and test the robots. After a robot is created, the teams will take part in competitions that determine the power of teamwork, the effectiveness of each robot, and the fortitude of the students.
The event included presentations by PTC President and CEO Jim Heppelmann; NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden; FIRST Founder, Dean Kamen, FIRST Chairman Walt P. Havenstein; FIRST President Jon Dudas; and FIRST National Advisor Dr. Woodie Flowers.