WATCH: Hatboro-Horsham hosts FIRST robotics competition, finishes in fourth place overall

High school students from our local area come together each year to compete in robotics competitions where they design, build, and program sophisticated robots to take on complex challenges. These competitions, such as the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), push students to think like engineers, collaborate as a team, and develop real-world problem-solving skills. 

With limited time, they must strategize, troubleshoot, and innovate to create robots capable of performing complicated tasks in high-energy competitions.

Hatboro-Horsham High School recently hosted and competed in the FIRST Robotics qualifying event that brought together 32 local teams of high school students under one roof to show off their STEM skills.

Each year, FIRST unveils a new game with unique challenges that teams must solve using their robots. The game is announced during Kickoff, which takes place in early January. Teams then have about six to eight weeks to design, build, and program their robots before competitions begin.

Hatboro-Horsham's team, the Hatters Robotics, finished in fourth among all competitors, with its robot named Duke.

The complete standings of the competition are available here. 

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring young people to develop an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Founded in 1989 by inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen, FIRST provides hands-on, mentor-guided robotics programs that help students build critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Students get to learn a multitude of different skills in this arena, including: 

• Real-World Engineering – Students work alongside mentors (industry professionals, engineers, and educators) to design and build sophisticated robots.
• Limited Build Time – The intense build season teaches time management, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• Large-Scale Robots – Robots can weigh up to 125 lbs (57 kg) and use powerful motors, pneumatics, and vision systems.
• Autonomous & Teleoperated Play – Matches consist of an autonomous period (robot runs pre-programmed commands) followed by a driver-controlled period.
• Alliances & Strategy – Teams compete in alliances of three and must strategize with their partners to outscore opponents.

FIRST also offers programs designed for different age groups, including:

• FIRST LEGO League (FLL) – For students ages 4-16 (varies by country), focusing on research, teamwork, and basic robotics using LEGO-based systems.
• FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) – For middle and high school students, involving designing, building, and programming mid-sized robots to compete in head-to-head challenges.