The Central Illinois Regional (CIR) FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is an intense three-day event showcasing robots developed and operated by teams of high school students. The competing robots are the result of 6-1/2 weeks of high school students and professional engineering/science mentors teaming up to solve the engineering challenges presented in the Season Challenge/Robot Game. The robots are the product of focused brainstorming, real-world teamwork, dedicated mentoring, and project deadline management. The mentor/student interaction is integral to the FRC program. It takes a lot of hard work to develop a competitive robot, and it shows when you see them in action at the Central Illinois Regional.
CIR is a competition environment that has the feel of both a major sporting event and a rock concert, complete with cheering teams, crazy costumes, special lighting, up-beat music, a large video wall, and energetic emcees/announcers. In essence, the event is a celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)!
