The University of Waterloo plays host to over 30 FIRST Robotics Competition teams whose robots will compete for their schools and the companies that support them. In the heart of Waterloo’s world-class high-tech corridor, teams will get a chance at a berth at the FRC World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri. Come join the best of the best in engineering compete in the most intense robotic sporting event on earth.

The FIRST Robotics Competition is a series of short games played by remote-controlled robots. The robots are designed and built within six weeks, from a common set of basic parts, by a team of students and engineer-mentors. The competition has grown to over 2,500 teams from 13 countries competing in 58 regional events, and culminates in the championship event in St. Louis with more than 10,000 student participants.

This public event is free and welcomes adults and children of all ages.

See if your high school alma mater is participating in this year’s competition with the theme of “Ultimate Ascent”!

Events run at various times all day - check out the official agenda - however here is a summary:

Thursday March 21:

10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - practice rounds (lunch break 12 noon to 1 p.m.)

Friday March 22:

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. - qualification matches (lunch break 12 noon to 1 p.m.)

Saturday March 23:

9:30 to 11:30 a.m. - qualification matches continue

1 to 4 p.m. - final rounds