FIRST Kickoff

For the twelfth year in a row, the RoboJackets will be hosting the 2020 Regional FRC Kickoff at Georgia Tech on January 4th, 2020. Teams are required to register on the FIRST website for the kickoff. The kickoff will consist of breakfast, guest speakers, live broadcasting, robot demos, and workshops. The event will begin with breakfast and team check-in at 8:00 AM in the Student Center Ballroom. The kickoff presentation will take place in the Ferst Center starting at 9:30 AM and after a lunch break workshops will be hosted in the Klaus Advanced Computing Building.

Please check this page before coming to the event as any updated information will be posted here.

Release Forms

This year, we are using electronic release forms.   Each participant of FIRST Kickoff including both adults (parents/mentors/guests) and students must sign a Model Release form. If a participant is a minor, a Parental Request to Participate form must be signed by both the participant and their parent/legal guardian.

Note: Each student should visit this site to start the signing process themselves.  Parents and other individuals who are attending Kickoff must also complete a release form for themselves.

Click here to complete the electronic release forms.

Event Timeline

  • 8:00 AM – Event opens to teams with breakfast. (Student Center Ballroom)
  • 9:00 AM – Ferst Center doors open
  • 9:30 AM – Welcome talks (Ferst Center w/ overflow seating in Student Center Ballroom)
  • 10:30 AM – Kickoff Broadcast starts (Ferst Center & Student Center Ballroom)
  • 11:30 AM – Kit of Parts handout; two team members and a mentor to pick up kit (Ferst Center loading dock)
  • 1:00 PM – Loading dock closes; end of kit of parts distribution
  • 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Lunch break (lunch not provided)
  • 1:00 PM – Workshops begin
  • 4:00 PM – Workshops end

Event Map

Download a printable, non-interactive version of the map here.

Parking Instructions

Due to changes made by the Georgia Tech Parking and Transportation department, unfortunately, we are unable to offer the same free parking that has been available in previous years. This year, each team will be provided one free parking pass for the W02 (Student Center) parking deck.  You should take a ticket upon entering the lot, and we will provide a parking validation sticker when your team checks in.  The W02 deck has a 6’ 5” clearance.

All other vehicles can park in the same W02 parking deck mentioned above.  Parking in this area is not free; the W02 parking deck without a validation has an hourly charge. The Visitor Area 2 lot has a 4 hour maximum stay that cannot be extended.

Note: We cannot validate or reimburse parking fees for vehicles parked in the ungated Visitor Area 2 (pay on foot). In order to receive parking validation, you must have the physical ticket you pulled on entry to the gated W02 (Student Center) parking deck.

Buses may unload first in the area right in front of the Student Center visitor lot (Visitor Parking Area 2). If you are planning on parking your bus on campus instead of driving off-campus to wait, please contact us ASAP at kickoff@robojackets.org. We strongly suggest coming in cars if possible.

We will have volunteers available day-of to direct buses and guide you to the best parking option.

Workshops

Workshops are vital in creating an easy transition into the start of the FIRST season. One of our primary goals is to have all teams who attend the workshops leave with a KOP robot that will require only some final assembly. We highly encourage teams to attend these helpful workshops to learn and receive guidance. The workshops will be located in the Klaus Advanced Computing Building. Please note that cutting or sawing any components is strictly forbidden.

Each team should register for the workshops they plan to attend.

The following are the seven workshop tracks that will be available for teams:

  • Mechanical (Klaus Rm. 1456): Building the mechanical parts of the provided KOP.
  • Electrical (Klaus Rm. 2443): Assembly of the electronics, wiring guidelines, and a few pointers on past problems.
  • Strategy Brainstorm (Klaus Rm. 1443): Teams will be given the opportunity to go over rules and discuss gameplay strategies.
  • Java Programming (Klaus Rm. 2447): In this workshop, RoboJackets will be helping you set up your own laptop with the tools needed for Java programming and creating basic code for a drive train in TeleOp and Autonomous. Please bring your laptop to participate in this workshop or you can come to take notes and follow along!
  • Bumpers (Klaus Rm. 2456): This workshop is all about how to properly build bumpers for your team’s robot. This workshop will be led by Robot Inspectors.
  • Safety (Klaus 1116): This workshop will discuss the importance of safety leadership and go beyond safety glasses and a Band-Aid. This workshop will be presented by team 4910, East Cobb Robotics.
  • Rookie / New Member Quick Start (Klaus Rm. 1447): This workshop is geared towards rookie teams and new members of existing teams, learning the tips and tricks on how to get through your first build season. This workshop will be presented by team 6925, W.A.Robotics.

Java workshop slides and code

Electrical workshop slides

Here is a list of tools required for the Mechanical Quick Build workshop:

Mechanical:

  • Cordless drill w/
    • 3/8″ socket
    • 5/16″ socket
    • 9/16″ socket
    • 5/32″ Ball End Hex Bit
    • alternatively, bring the equivalent hand tools
  • 1/2″ Combination wrench
  • Pliers
  • Hammer
  • Tape measure
  • Marking pencil/pen/marker
  • Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers

Contact Info

If you have any questions, please contact Evan Strat at kickoff@robojackets.org