FIRST Robotics Competition
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, an inventor and entrepreneur with a passion for science and technology. Based out of Manchester, NH, this not-for-profit public charity designs programs for young people that introduces them to science and technology. One of those programs, the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), requires teams of high school students ages 14-18 in grades 9-12 to build and program a robot to perform tasks specified in the rules of the competition. Working with engineers and teachers as mentors, the teams receive a kit of parts that include the necessary components to get them started.
This picture was posted to Bimba's Facebook page by Team 768, the TechnoWarriors of Woodlawn High School, from Baltimore, Maryland.
These kits of parts consist of motors, sensors, software, and much more that has been donated by a number of companies. This is where Bimba’s involvement comes in. Each January when the Kickoff takes place, Bimba launches a web page designed for FIRST that allows teams to order up to 3 cylinders, free of charge. They can choose from 4 different bore sizes, and have the option of selecting reed switches for position feedback. Bimba has been donating parts for the past 8 years to teams across the country, and is proud to be a Diamond Supplier of the program. This year, Bimba has donated over 1800 cylinders, and will participate in the Supplier Showcase at the Championships in St. Louis from April 27-30. By participating, Bimba will have a table that people can visit to learn more about the company and its involvement with the FIRST program. Click here for more info on FIRST and how you can get involved.
