Program Management
The WPI Robotics Resource Center supports on- and off-campus programs that help to advance access and knowledge to STEM and Robotics. We support various initiatives across programs like FIRST and VEX Robotics Competition. The RRC manages WPILib, the software libraries used by thousands of FIRST teams worldwide, manages middle school robotics programs throughout MA, and supports our in-house FIRST Robotics Competition Team 190. We also host a full-scale FRC Community Practice field that is available year-round to any team.
MA First Lego League (FLL) Partner
WPI serves as the Program Delivery Partner for FIRST LEGO League Challenge (FLL) in Massachusetts. FLL introduces teams of students aged 9 to 14 to teamwork, problem solving, and STEM concepts using LEGO robotics kits. As an FLL Partner, WPI plays a crucial role in facilitating and coordinating local events, team growth, and sustainability for the program.
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Support
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) challenges students in grades 7 to 12 to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in an alliance format. FTC also focuses on the development of a well-documented engineering notebook and emphasizes gracious professionalism and cooperation among teams. WPI hosts FTC events on-campus and also is building relationships with FTC on a global scale to enhance the programming capabilities of all teams.
FRC190 Team Support
Team 190 is one of the original and sustaining FIRST Robotics Competition teams. It has participated in every FIRST every year since 1992 and won’t be powering down any time soon. Headquartered at WPI, FRC 190 is partnered with the Mass Academy of Math and Science but also welcomes students and mentors from anywhere. Visit the team’s website for more information, including how to join.
FIRST Community Practice Field
Starting in 2023, WPI hosts a Community FRC Practice field on campus that is open to all FRC teams. This full-scale, high-fidelity field allows teams to dramatically improve their skills and performance with a place to practice not traditionally available. The practice field is at 15 Sagamore Rd and available through advanced sign-up.
Robotics Outreach/Demos
FRC190 offers dozens of demos each year to groups around Massachusetts. The demos are often held at schools, libraries, community centers, scout troops, STEM nights, or festivals and are open to the public. Team members present information about STEM and robotics, and they demonstrate the team’s 120-pound competition robot’s capabilities.