Robotics competition heats up at the DECC

Thousands of students and their families are taking over the DECC for the FIRST Robotics Competition.

There are two regional competitions going on simultaneously.

High-school students from over 50 area schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin are showcasing their hard work after an intense six weeks of designing and building an original robot.

120 teams of students and engineering and technical mentors are demonstrating their skill for science, mathematics, and technology.

They will compete for honors and recognition that reward design excellence, competitive play, sportsmanship, and high-impact partnerships between schools, businesses, and communities.

The Northwoods Bear Bots are excited to be part of the fun.

We met Alex Burckhardt and Kohen Briggs, as they were heading to the practice pits.

Alex told us, “It’s just different from any other sport. Everybody is happy, and everybody is out there doing there thing.”

Kohen added, “We’re competing with them, all these other teams, but if we need anything, they might give it to us. The cooperation is really good, even though we are all competing against eachother.”

There will be alliances formed, as the competition moves into the finals.

The public can watch on Saturday as well.

The teams are trying to earn a spot at the international FIRST® Championship to be held April 19-22 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.