The Smoky Mountains Regional TN FIRST Robotics Challenge is coming up March 5 and 6 at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Chatting here with TN FIRST chair Cary Busby about this dynamic spectator sport that showcases some of East Tennessee’s brightest!
Q: If someone has never seen a FIRST Robotics competition in person, what can they expect? Is this a sport, an academic competition or how would you describe it?
A: FIRST Robotics Competition teams design, program and build a robot starting with a standard kit of parts and common set of rules to play in a themed head-to-head challenge. Teams also build a brand, develop community partnerships for support and work to promote STEM in their local community. FRC is an exciting, high-tech spectator sport!
Q: What will look different about the field and theme for this season?
A: The 2024 game is called “CRESCENDO” and puts the robots in a rock concert! They deliver round game pieces called “notes” to different scoring opportunities on the field, autonomously at first and then under driver control. At the end of each 2.5-minute match, they will climb chains on the stage as alliances try to score final points together.
Q: Smoky Mountains Regional brings in high school students from several communities in the region. Can you explain the scale of this event and how it connects to so many school-aged competitors?
A: Thirty-three teams from around the country will participate in Smoky Mountains Regional this year, including 15 from Tennessee, representing public and private schools of all sizes. Students who join FIRST teams practice technical and nontechnical skills that they might not experience in a regular classroom, all in the context of a fun, challenging, competitive and supportive environment that introduces them to STEM careers. Teams are supported by volunteer mentors like engineers and other professionals from their communities.
Q: This link tells about the event hours at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum and other details. Any tips for first-time spectators and how to watch as a robotics fan?
A: It’s a good idea to sit with a team! Ask the team members to explain the game and show you their robot. Ask lots of questions! Teams have been working long hours on their robots and other award applications since early January when the game was announced. Spectators are allowed to visit the Pits if they are safely equipped with closed shoes and safety glasses. Admission to the event is free, but there may be a charge to park at KCAC.
Q: After this regional competition, where do the teams go from here? What can you tell us about where some of these student competitors go from here in terms of college and career opportunities?
A: Winning teams will qualify to compete at the FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas, in April, where they will compete with 600 teams from around the world! FIRST alumni are eligible for millions of dollars in scholarships every year, and many list FRC as one of their top extracurricular activities from high school. FIRST alumni are more likely than their peers to choose STEM careers like engineering or computer science. Others find that their FIRST experience is great preparation for careers in business, communications or social sciences.
Anne Brock is marketing coordinator for Solar Alliance, which designs and manages solar installation projects for large manufacturers and small businesses. She can be reached at abrock@solaralliance.com or 865-221-8349. Solar Alliance supports three East Tennessee FIRST ® robotics high school teams. These are the Secret City Wildbots of Oak Ridge, the Austin-East RoboRunners and the Hardin Valley Academy RoHAWKtics.
