BEST Middle & High School Robotics Competition...What is it?

I think we have all heard of FIRST Robotics Competition and maybe a few have heard of BEST Robotics Competition, but what is the difference? George Blanks of Auburn University explains the some differences and the BEST approach.

FIRST Robotis Competition robots run in the $20,000 to $30,000 for an event targeted towards 15-20 kids. They tend to involve more design by actual engineers instead of the students. While FIRST does address the awareness issue of Engineering to students, it is difficult to work into the school curriculum.

BEST Robotics Competitions have an initial start-up cost to create a licensed hub [center that has the power kits and provides the competition arena]. These costs are not passed to the schools and schools pay no fees. Past the initial investment of approximately $800 per kits for the hub and arena costs [typically around $700], successive events require raw materials typically under $200 per kit.

With the reduced costs for BEST Robotics Competitions, it puts it within reach for local non-profit organizations wishing to organize the event or multiple corporate sponsors to dedicate funding and more importantly mentors from their Engineering staff.

The short, BEST offers a cost effective way to introduce engineering to students and design goals students can associate with while learning about various topics such as nanotechnology or handing a reactor meltdown in a fun atmosphere with mentors to guide and not build their robots.

BEST also offers other programs to get engineering into the classroom with smaller projects and paper contests. Visit the BEST site for more details.