Robotics

Early exposure to hands-on learning and STEM education is one of the best ways to engage students and ultimately set them on a long-term path for success in college and a career of their choice. Robotics programming allows students to receive exposure to real-life problem solving in a competitive, fun environment.

UIL activities exist to complement academic curriculum and are designed to motivate students as they acquire higher levels of knowledge, to challenge students to confront issues of importance, and to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of specific skills. The robotics pilot program is believed to do exactly that.

About the Pilot

The inaugural UIL robotics pilot program began during the 2015-2016 school year and continues for 2016-2017. The pilot program has two divisions, UIL Robotics: BEST™ Division and UIL Robotics: FIRST^® Division. The FIRST Division will include two programs, the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC).

• UIL Student Activities Conferences scheduled for the fall of 2016 all include Robotics sessions. Informational and educational workshops continue to be scheduled in the months ahead, including the summer of 2017. Details on workshop opportunities will be posted on the UIL Robotics Resources page as they are scheduled.

• The initial BEST Division championship event will take place on December 8-9, 2016, at the Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco, Texas.

• The second FIRST Division championship event will take place May 18-20, 2017 - additional details coming soon. (Click here for results from the initial FIRST Division championship event in July 2016.)

• For more information about the UIL Robotics pilot program, visit the FAQ page.

• For information on forming and registering a team for BEST Robotics, visit http://www.bestinc.org

• For information on forming and registering a team for FIRST Robotics, visit http://www.firstintexas.org