Manchester, NH, September 13, 2006 – FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology, today officially launched its 2006 FIRST Vex Challenge (FVC) season with an online Kickoff. Six thousand high-school-aged young people are expected to participate in this year’s competition.

At the Kickoff, FIRST unveiled this year’s challenge, “Hangin’-A-Round,” in which students’ robots collect softballs and score points by placing them in high or low corner goals. Extra points are scored by possessing an Atlas ball, which doubles the point value in the goals. Additionally, robots may attempt to park on a rotating platform or hang from a bar. All of this takes place in fast-paced 2 minute and 20 second matches.

The FIRST Vex Challenge is an accessible, affordable mid-level robotics competition principally for high-school-aged students. Students work alongside mentors, applying real-world math and science concepts to solve the annual challenge. They compete in high-energy regional tournaments that measure the effectiveness of each robot, the power of collaboration, and the determination of students. Through their FIRST involvement, students discover the rewarding and engaging process of innovation and engineering. During the 2006 season, 600 FIRST Vex Challenge teams will compete in events in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico and the FIRST Championship, April 12-14, 2007 at The Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.

Teams must determine their strategy and program, build, and test a robot using the innovative Vex Robotics Design System. Developed by Innovation First, the kit includes over 500 parts and is customizable, making it easy and fun to create and test innovative designs and explore robotics concepts.

“The FIRST Vex Challenge allows us to reach more young people using the affordable Vex Robotics Design System,” said FIRST founder Dean Kamen. “Working through the engineering process with mentors at a hands-on level shows students from all backgrounds that education and careers in science and technology are exciting options for them.”

For more information, read the FIRST Vex Challenge FAQ.