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Team 188
Team 188 has consistently carved its own niche in the realm of robotics, achieving notable milestones along the way. Distinguished as the inaugural Canadian team to participate in US FIRST in 1998 and as the founders of the Greater Toronto Regional, Team 188 has evolved into an exemplar of leadership, mentorship, and inspiration for other robotics teams both in Canada and the United States.
Our History
Team 188 is committed to fostering positive transformation, recognizing that achieving groundbreaking milestones necessitates a network of collaborative actions and relationships. In our pursuit, we are dedicated to promoting STEM awareness across all societal levels. Our strategy for disseminating the ethos of FIRST is encapsulated in our "CAN" methodology, which underscores our belief in the attainability of our goals.
About FIRST Robotics and VEX Robotics
FIRST Robotics
FIRST, an acronym for "For Inspiration and Research of Science and Technology," is a global initiative aimed at igniting high school students' interest in engineering and technology. Founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST seeks to motivate young minds through engaging, mentor-driven programs that enhance skills in science, engineering, and technology, foster innovation, and cultivate essential life competencies such as self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
The organization's headquarters is located in Manchester, New Hampshire, where the inaugural FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) unfolded in 1992. Beyond FRC, FIRST also organizes the First Tech Challenge (FTC) and the First Lego League (FLL), including its junior version, Jr. FLL. Initiated by Dean Kamen as an homage to the fields of science and technology, the mission of FIRST is to stimulate young individuals through dynamic, mentor-based initiatives that not only enrich technical skills but also inspire creativity and a broad spectrum of life skills.
Participants in FIRST programs gain exposure not only to engineering principles but also to essential practices such as project management, ROBOTC programming, and the use of AutoCAD software, enabling them to construct their own projects from the ground up. The ethos of FIRST instills a perpetual passion for science and technology in its participants, fulfilling the vision of its founders. The remarkable expansion of the league serves as testament to its enduring success in fostering a love for technology, science, and the principle of "gracious professionalism" among generations of participants, a legacy that promises to continue inspiring future innovators.
VEX Robotics
Originally a chapter of FIRST, this initiative has flourished into a vast international program, bearing strong resemblances to FIRST's own FTC (First Tech Challenge). The robots utilized in this program mirror those in FTC in terms of size and the type of metal used for construction. Its World Championships are scheduled to coincide with the FIRST World Championships, underscoring the similarities between the two. Both VEX and FIRST serve dual purposes: they are educational tools as well as platforms for global competition.
VEX distinguishes itself with a proprietary computer programming environment, employing ROBOTC for its Vex Cortex and Pic microcontrollers. Although FTC also utilizes ROBOTC, the application differs slightly between the two programs. Notably, VEX presents a more economical option and typically involves larger-scale competitions compared to FTC. It attracts high school and college students from around the globe to compete against one another.
The VEX Robotics Competition stands as the world's largest and most rapidly expanding robotics program for middle and high school students, boasting over 7,300 teams from more than 25 countries across over 400 tournaments globally. Additionally, the VEX U competition caters to college and university teams, with over 220 teams participating in local tournaments and a dedicated division at the VEX World Championship.
