First Robotics ‘Crescendo’ Competition at the River’s Edge Convention Center This weekend

(KNSI) – St. Cloud is hosting a major First Robotics tournament for the first time.

The Granite City Regional is at the River’s Edge Convention Center this weekend (April 5th through the 7th). Regional Planning Committee member Curtis Robertson told KNSI News that First Robotics is the only division recognized by the Minnesota State High School League. “It’s viewed and nicknamed the varsity sport of the mind. Because it is a high school level competition, the students are building a robot that is upwards of three feet wide, three feet long, and sometimes seven, eight, nine feet tall.”

High school-age kids are building an industrial robot designed for a specific task. Fifty-four teams are competing from Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. This year’s theme is “Crescendo,” and the students will perform with music.

Robertson says bringing the event to St. Cloud benefits the city and area teams. “It’s an awesome opportunity for everyone in central Minnesota. In bringing teams in but also sharing with the communities here, this is what we do, and how it is incredible for all of our high schools involved.”

The event is free to attend. Friday is a practice day and the machines start moving for real on Saturday and Sunday.

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