FIRST Robotics 2011

DETROIT - Robotics teams from 39 Southeast Michigan high schools will experience engineering and science come alive at the FIRST Robotics 2011 Detroit District competition. The event will be held at the Matthaei Physical Education Center at Wayne State University March 18 and 19, 2011.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an international phenomenon that evokes passion and fortitude in students exploring careers in science, engineering, math, medical technology and related fields.

"The experience of FIRST Robotic competitions can make the difference for a high school student thinking about a career in science and engineering, not to mention the camaraderie and collaboration they learn as a member of a robotics team," said Darin Ellis, associate dean of academic affairs at the Wayne State University College of Engineering.

FIRST in Michigan is hosting nine district competitions in March and April. The top 64 teams from the district events will move on to compete at the FIRST Robotics Michigan State Championship April 7-9. From there, 18 teams will be eligible to advance to the international FIRST Championship in St. Louis, Mo., April 27-30.

The public is welcome to join the charged-up atmosphere guaranteed for each FIRST Robotics event. Friday's opening ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m. and the games will run through 7 p.m. Saturday's opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. and the games will run through 5 p.m.

Game description:
The 2011 game is called "LOGO MOTION" and is played by two competing alliances on a 27' x 54' field. Each alliance consists of three robots. They compete to hang as many inflated plastic shapes (triangles, circles and squares) on grids as they can during a 2-minute and 15-second match. The higher the teams hang their game pieces, the more points their alliance receives.

For more information about FIRST Michigan and other competitions taking place throughout the state, visit www.firstinmichigan.org.