Dark Matter is a FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) team. Teams of up to 15 team members are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. FTC gives middle and high school students, guided by mentors/coaches, the opportunity to work and create together to solve a common problem. Robots can be 18”x18”, comprising a drivetrain, mechanical, electrical and coding systems. Teams also develop a business plan, keep an engineering notebook, raise funds, design and market their team brand, and participate in community outreach.

Competitions consist of a 12’ by 12’ playing field with tasks that the robot can complete for points, both autonomously and while being driver-controlled. The robot game changes every season and is a blast! This year’s game is called Power Play presented by Raytheon.

The season starts with the game release in early September. Teams participate in two qualifier tournaments December-February. The season concludes with a regional (Louisiana) championship in February/March. The top 2 teams from the region will advance to the World Championship in Houston in April. Take a peek at the  new “INTO THE DEEP” game challenge.