Southfield High School Field House was packed on Feb. 27 with remote control student-built robots competing in a series of tasks at the first round competition for First Robotics in Michigan.

The 12th annual Palmetto Regional FIRST Robotics Competition drew 66 teams from across the U.S. and Canada. The three-day competition showcases robots built, programmed and operated by high school students and their mentors.

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"FIRST encourages science, technology and mathematics in students and encourages them to explore, be creative, discover and solve problems," said Derelle Redmond, event coordinator and FIRST alumnus who now works as a software engineer.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition started in 1992 with 28 teams. The event has grown to include more than 2,700 teams in 92 cities around the world. One of the largest concentrations of teams is in Michigan.

This year's game, called Recycle Rush, encouraged students to build a robot able to stack plastic crates and carry large cans while dodging bright green pool noodles representing litter.

Each team had six weeks to build the robot. After every competitive round, students are given time to make repairs or recalibrate the robot, if necessary.

In addition to the building the robots, team members are also involved in marketing, website building and fundraising.

The winning team will compete on a state level with the possibility of making it to the nationals.

For more information about FIRST Robotics, visit www.myrtlebeachfirstrobotics.com.

TagsRobots, Robotics, FIRST Robotics Competition, Recycle Rush, Recycle Rush robots