FIRST competition in N.H. March 3-4

Some 50 teams have registered to participate in the fourth annual Granite State Regional FIRST Robotics Competition, which returns to the Verizon Wireless Arena March 3-4 in Manchester.

The event is open to the public. Admission is free and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Granite State Regional, sponsored by BAE Systems, brings more than 1,500 students and their mentors together in a competition that emphasizes teamwork, innovation and strategy. In early January, teams received a challenge to design, develop and build a robot in six weeks using a common parts list. The robots are then competed in randomly selected alliances, performing a variety of tasks for scoring points.

This year’s challenge – “AIM HIGH” – has teams competing in three-vs.-three-team alliances within a four-round match. Initial public rounds will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 3. The meet continues at 9 a.m. the following day, with final rounds scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

To learn more about the regional competition and its teams, visit baesystemsfirst.org. — NHBR STAFF