Local robotics teams receive kits to compete in this year’s ‘Reefscape’ challenge
Long Island students are kicking off the beginning of the 2025 robotics season with an array of robot components.
Hauppauge-based FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Long Island distributed kits of parts to participating local high school robotics teams on Saturday, Jan 4 at Schenck USA Corporation in Deer Park, a long-standing sponsor of the FIRST Long Island Regional Robotics Competition.
The kits serve as a foundation for participating teams, providing an array of components donated by suppliers across multiple industries, and playing a pivotal role in shaping the creative process for the teams as they prepare for this year’s challenge, ‘REEFSCAPESM presented by Haas.’
The competition will take place Wednesday, March 19 through Saturday, March 22 at the David S. Mack Sports and Expo Center at Hofstra University in Hempstead.
“We are thrilled to kick off the 2025 robotics season with the distribution of the kits of parts,” said Bertram Dittmar, executive director of FIRST Long Island. “We look forward to witnessing the incredible creations that these talented students will bring to the competition and bring with them their solutions, teamwork and gracious professionalism.”
The event saw mentors and members of various high school robotics teams coming to receive their kits after being briefed on this year’s game. Beginning late February, the 2025 competition includes more than 170 regional and district events that measure the effectiveness of each robot’s design and control, the power of teamwork and the determination of participating students not only to win, but also to learn and have fun.
“Leading up to the regional events, FIRST Long Island students will work with coaches and mentors to apply concepts of math, science and engineering to build their robots to meet the game’s objectives,” Larry Toonkel, FIRST Robotics Competition co-director, said. “The FIRST Robotics Competition is not just about the design and build of sophisticated robots. Our students will also learn important concepts such as teamwork, problem solving and healthy competition.”
To learn more about REEFSCAPESM presented by Haas, visit firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/game-and-season.
For more information on FIRST Long Island, visit www.sbpli-lifirst.org.
