This year’s FIRST Robotics challenge is called "Lunacy". Each team must build a robot with strict size restraints and no protruding mechanisms. The original kit contains the minimal parts required to build a robot that can meet the task of the game, but it is the originality of the team members that creates the wide variety of robots you will see at each meet. Each team chooses a method of transporting the "moon rocks", and then designs, tests, and builds the additional components needed. Each team must comply by strict rules about what types of parts may be added, and how they can be used. The robots must pass stringent inspections for compliance and safety before they are allowed to compete at each event.

The playing field this year adds a new dimension to the difficulty of the game, as it is a low-friction surface that will combine with the slippery wheels of the robots to produce an ice-like effect. The robots will also be towing trailers for Lunacy, so precise steering and maneuverability will be more difficult than ever before. Past challenges have required the robots to place playing pieces on or over stationary objects on the playing field. This year the robots must pursue each other, and try to place "moon rocks" in each others’ moving trailers, while getting as few as possible placed in their own trailer. The action will be intense!!

For more detailed information about the game check out these great links from FIRST: