FIRST Robotics Competition: championing the next generation of innovators

03 Apr 2024

RINA supports Blue Devil Mechanics, the FIRST Robotics Competition team at Dreher High School in Columbia (South Carolina)

Founded in 1989, FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global nonprofit. Its mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, promote innovation, and foster professional skills including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.  

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is the highest level of competition, in which teams of students raise funds, hone teamwork skills, and construct and program industrial-sized robots to accomplish goals. Teams emphasize safety, professionalism, teamwork, and creativity while designing and operating their inventions. 

We are glad to announce that RINA sponsors Blue Devil Mechanics, the FRC team at Dreher High School in Columbia (South Carolina). We aim to support their competition season and their educational outreach activities in the community.  

Additionally, our Erica Pfister, Senior GIS Developer, coaches the Blue Devil Mechanics on the robot's Java codebase for its autonomous and remote operation modes.  

In the 2024 gameplay season, the Blue Devil Mechanics have placed 8th and 10th in two qualifier events and are looking forward to competing in the Peachtree District Championship event in April. In addition to their performance on the field, the team has won two major awards. First, the Team Sustainability Award recognizes them for activities and initiatives that contribute to long-term success of other FIRST teams in their community. Second, the Creativity Award celebrates design features that enhance the strategy of the season's gameplay.