FIRSTⓇ (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Long Island kicked off the beginning of the 2024 robotics season with the distribution of Kits of Parts (KoP) to participating local high school robotics teams on January 6. The KoPs were distributed at Schenck USA Corporation in Deer Park, which has been a long standing sponsor of the FIRSTⓇ Long Island Regional Robotics Competition and supplier of parts for the robotics teams. 

The event saw mentors and members of various high school robotics teams coming to receive their KoPs after being briefed on this year's challenge.

The KoPs serve as a foundation for participating teams, providing an array of components donated by suppliers across multiple industries. These kits play a pivotal role in shaping the creative process for the teams as they prepare for the upcoming robotics season.

The 2024 FIRSTⓇ Long Island Regional is scheduled to take place at Hofstra University from March 21-23. This is a milestone year in that this will be the 25th year of the FIRSTⓇ Long Island Regional. The theme for this year's challenge is CRESCENDOSM presented by Haas. In CRESCENDOSM, two alliances of three teams compete in a dynamic game where they aim to score or play notes across three field elements. 

The objectives include amplifying speakers, getting on stage, harmonizing, and taking the spotlight within a limited time. Additional rewards are earned for meeting specific scoring thresholds and cooperating with opponents. Robots start autonomously in their alliance's zone, playing preloaded notes and collecting more. During driver control, alliances strategically collect and play notes, amplifying speakers for extra points. Cooperative actions in the first 45 seconds influence rankings. As time runs out, robots race to get on stage, deliver notes, and achieve harmony for bonus points. The alliance with the highest score wins. 

“We are thrilled to kick off the 2024 robotics season with the distribution of Kits of Parts,” said Bertram Dittmar, Executive Director, FIRSTⓇ Long Island. “We look forward to witnessing the incredible creations that these talented students will bring to the competition and bring with them their solutions, teamwork and gracious professionalism.”