The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules.

Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in competitions designed by Dean Kamen, Dr. Woodie Flowers, and a committee of engineers and other professionals.

Florida FIRST Robotics (FRC) Competition started in 1999 with 28 teams at the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Center. After four years of growth, the decision was made to move to the University Of Central Florida Arena in 2003. The 2009 Regional had 52 teams from Alabama, Florida, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Puerto Rico. In previous years there were teams from Canada and Great Britain. The event has become an international favorite.