Each year, FIRST comes up with a different challenge. This year's challenge is called FIRST Overdrive. Two alliances -- made up of three robots each -- compete in a match.
The object of the game is to get a higher score than the opposing team by making counterclockwise laps with the robot around the track while moving a 7-pound, 40-inch diameter ball over or under the overpass that bisects the track.
Each match is 2 minutes and 15 seconds long. Strategies aimed at the destruction, damage, tipping over or entanglement of robots are not allowed.