0-Introduction

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Section

0 INTRODUCTION

Table of Contents

0
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 2

0.1 WHAT IS THE FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION? ............................................................................2

0.2 GRACIOUS PROFESSIONALISM, A FIRST CREDO...........................................................................2

0.3 SAFETY, A FIRST CULTURE ................................................................................................................3

0.4 THE 2006 GAME "AIM HIGH" ............................................................................................................4
© FIRST 2006
FIRST Robotics Competition Manual: Section 0 Introduction, Rev A
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0 INTRODUCTION

0.1 WHAT IS THE FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION?
The FIRST Robotics Competition is an exciting program that assimilates teams, sponsors, colleges, and
technical professionals with high school students to develop their solution to a prescribed engineering
challenge in a competitive game environment. The program has resulted in life-changing, career-molding
experiences for its participants. It is also a lot of fun.
In 2006, our reach will expand to over 28,000 students representing approximately 1100 teams. These teams
will come from almost every state in the U.S., as well as from Brazil, Canada, U.K., Mexico, Ecuador, Ghana,
and Israel. FIRST has truly become an international program and is continuously growing. These teams will
participate in 33 Regional Competitions and can qualify for the Championship Event at The Georgia Dome in
Atlanta, Georgia. The competitions combine the practical application of science and technology with the fun,
intense energy, and excitement of a championship- sporting event.
This year's challenge will be presented at the 2006 FIRST Robotics Competition Kickoff on Saturday,
January 7, 2006. At the Kickoff, all teams:
Will be shown this year's game and field for the first time
Will learn about the 2006 game rules and regulations
Will receive a kit of parts. The Kit of Parts will include motors, sensors, chassis, transmissions,
vision camera, bearings, and other materials that teams can use in the design and construction of their
robots. They will also receive a multi-channel radio control system and a 12V battery power supply.
The kit is meant to provide a level starting point for all teams. The rules also describe the additional
items teams can purchase.
When you bring dedicated, enthusiastic students, teachers, engineers, and other professionals together,
they will produce a wide range of amazing machines that are competition ready in six weeks of
construction time.

0.2 GRACIOUS PROFESSIONALISM, A FIRST CREDO
Dr. Woodie Flowers, FIRST National Advisor, asks and provides his view regarding the question, "Why do
FIRST folks talk so much about that phrase?"
Quoting Dr. Flowers, "Obviously it would not make sense to endorse "asinine professionalism" or "gracious
incompetence." It is, however, completely consistent with the FIRST spirit to encourage doing high quality,
well-informed work in a manner that leaves everyone feeling valued. Gracious professionalism seems to be a
good descriptor for part of the ethos of FIRST. It is part of what makes FIRST different and wonderful.
"Gracious professionalism has purposefully been left somewhat undefined because it can and should mean
different things to each of us. We can, however, outline some of its possible meanings. Gracious attitudes
and behaviors are win-win. Gracious folks respect others and let that respect show in their actions.
Professionals possess special knowledge and are trusted by society to use that knowledge responsibly. Thus,
gracious professionals make a valued contribution in a manner pleasing to others and to themselves.
"In FIRST, one of the most straightforward interpretations of gracious professionalism is that we learn and
compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process. We try to avoid leaving
anyone feeling like they are losers. No chest thumping barbarian tough talk, but no sticky sweet platitudes
either. Knowledge, pride, and empathy comfortably blended.
"Understanding that gracious professionalism works is not rocket science. It is, however, missing in too
many activities. At FIRST, it is alive and well. Please help us take care of it.
© FIRST 2006
FIRST Robotics Competition Manual: Section 0 Introduction, Rev A
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"In the long run, gracious professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. If one becomes a
professional, and uses knowledge in a gracious manner, everyone wins. One can add to society and enjoy the
satisfaction of knowing that you have acted with integrity and sensitivity. That's good stuff!"

0.3 SAFETY, A FIRST CULTURE
Safety is an important part of FIRST culture and should be observed by all participants at all times. As a part
of the Industrial Safety Program, teams will be observed and evaluated at many different levels and by many
individuals at the event. Safety Advisors will evaluate team safety behavior and practices in the Pit from the
time the robot is uncrated, until the robot is re-crated for shipment. Referees will observe safety on the
playing field as well as adherence to the rules. Judges will evaluate how a team has integrated safety into their
robot designs when considering the team for technical awards.

© FIRST 2006
FIRST Robotics Competition Manual: Section 0 Introduction, Rev A
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0.4 THE 2006 GAME "AIM HIGH"
"AIM HIGH" will present the teams with several new challenges:
A 3 versus 3 alliance competition, with 3 vs 2 offense/defense periods
A lighted target to improve vision system function (camera and associated electronics)
Launching balls and pushing balls into goals..

This view (above) illustrates:
Three Goals for each alliance
o 1 Center Goal for each alliance
o 2 Corner Goals for each alliance
Alliance robots contained in alliance starting boxes.

3 RED human players and 3 BLUE human players stand in their alliance zones. Players must throw retrieved
balls over the Plexiglas shields from behind the starting line to replenish alliance robot depleted balls, score
single alliance points by manually throwing balls into corner goals, or throwing balls to disrupt opposing
alliance ball launches.
Each alliance will have a maximum of 40 balls to start the game. Robots may contain up to a maximum of 10
balls at the start. Any balls not contained within the alliance robots will be provided to the alliance human
players.

Robots will attempt to launch balls into the center goal for 3 points. Robots or human players may score a
single point by throwing or pushing balls into the corner goals. Balls must stay in the goal and exit via the exit
chute to count for a score. Human players may retrieve balls from the corner goals and / or center goal storage
container. Human players can replenish any alliance robot and can share balls to maximize their scoring
opportunities.

Each 2 minute, 10 second match, will feature two (2) three-team alliances playing from opposite ends of the
field. The robots start from mid-field positions. Each match will consist of (4) periods: 1) period one
autonomous mode (10 seconds), 2) a second (40 second) period, 3) a third (40 second) period, 4) and a final
(40 second) period. After the autonomous period in which the robots control themselves, the robots are
controlled by their drivers.

During the 10-second autonomous period at the start of a match, all robots can score points. The alliance with
the highest score at the end of autonomous period will receive a 10 point bonus and be on "defense" in the
next period. . During the second and third periods, one alliance is on offense and can score goals, and the
other is on defense and cannot score goals. During these offense/defense periods, the defensive alliance must
maintain a "BackBot", which remains on its offensive side of the field either gathering balls, or setting up for
shots, but not interfering with the offensive alliance.

In the third period, the scoring opportunity and the BackBot requirement switches. In the final period both
alliances can score goals and/or play defense. Before the end of the match, alliance robots will speed back to
their end zones and climb the ramp to the platform. Robots will score points for reaching their home platform
before the end of the game: 5 points for one robot, 10 points for two robots and 25 points for 3 or more
robots. Robots on an opposing alliances' platform will be scored as points for their opponent.

© FIRST 2006
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