Dean Kamen's FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) organization has just announced the challenge for this year's FIRST Robotics Competition (see "Sportslike competition drives science and technology education," EDN, Sept 1, 2006, pg 12). The "Rack 'N' Roll" competition will challenge teams of high-school students to build a robot that can place inflatable tubes on pegs on a 10-ft-high rack. FIRST expects more than 32,500 students on more than 1300 teams from around the globe to participate this year. The organization is always looking for engineers to mentor the students in the challenge that can clearly lead kids to a technical career.

Beginning on March 1, the teams will compete at 37 regional events in the United States, Brazil, Canada, and Israel. The season will culminate at the FIRST Championship, April 12 through 14, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The events are free and open to the public.