NASA along with other local technology firms has helped in the launch of the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics competition for the year 2012.
The launch will take place at the Southern New Hampshire University located in Manchester. The event will be telecast live on NASA television. The main aim of the competition is to present youngsters with new challenges in the field of robotics. Each team is provided with a kit and given a time limit of six weeks to design and build a robot and make it perform particular functions. There are limitations on the weight and dimension of the robot. Volunteer mentors are assigned to each team to guide them through the six-week period.
NASA has been playing a major role in the competition through its NASA Robotics Alliance Project under which it provides grants to the participating teams and sponsors four regional student competitions. Scientists and engineers from NASA collaborate along with the teams and perform the role of mentors. Through such collaborations, NASA is able to share its knowledge and expertise with youngsters and nurture them. For the year 2012 various regional local competitions will be held across the US and four international competitions will also be held during March and April. The FIRST Championship competition will take place in St. Louis. The design and challenges of the competition will be revealed during the launch of the competition.
Source: http://www.robotics.nasa.gov