What is FLL / FIRST Robotics?

​

For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology (FIRST) is a US-centric international robotics competition organizer, established in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen to encourage youth to consider careers in STEM.  There are 3 levels of competition, FRC, FTC, and FLL.  Every year, the top teams from each regional gathers in Houston for World Championship.

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

This is the "big league" - students build a ~130lb robots that competes in a big 27x54 ft arena.  Woodinville HS has a FRC Team (the Velocity Raptors).  Running a FRC team is a major fundraising affair (well funded teams have an excess of $80k per year budget) and out of the scope of our organization.

​

There are about 120 FRC teams in the PNW region and 21 slots at Worlds allocated for PNW teams, giving an advancement odd of 1 in 6.

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)

​FRC's little brother - students build an 18" x 18" robot that competes in a 12ft x 12ft arena.  It is possible to be a well funded team with a ~$5-10k per year budget.

To be a competitive FTC Team, students should be skilled in CAD design, digital fabrication (3D Printing, laser cutting), programming, as well as electrical subsystem troubleshooting.  

​

In the 2025-2026 season, there were 16 slots allocated for PNW teams with 344 teams in the region, for an advancement odd of ~1 in 21.

​​

FIRST Lego League (FLL)

In FLL, students build a robot out of LEGOs to complete missions autonomously.  By using LEGOs, the barrier to entry is much lower.

There are about 550 teams in Washington state, with only 2 advancing to Worlds. ​

​

​