The field guide
Get closer
to the sport.
Clear explanations and practical next steps, whether you are watching your first match, helping a school team or choosing a competition.
8 guides
Robot sports, explained
A first look at the sports, the people behind the machines and what makes a robot competition worth watching.
Read the guideHow to get started in robot sports
Find a practical first step, choose a role and make your early time and money count.
Read the guideA beginner’s guide to robot combat
Understand the designs, the tactics and the practical route from watching a fight to joining the community.
Read the guideHow robot football works
From finding the ball to making a pass: the ideas behind autonomous teams on the pitch.
Read the guideFinding the right student robotics pathway
Compare the shape of FIRST, VEX and RoboCupJunior programmes, then find a team that fits your circumstances.
Read the guideAutonomous racing: what the car has to get right
Perception, planning and control explained through the challenge of driving a clean, competitive lap.
Read the guideHow to watch robot sports and know what matters
Find official coverage, read the action and get more from a match than the highlight reel.
Read the guideHow to choose your first robot competition
A practical checklist for finding an event that fits your experience, equipment and available support.
Read the guide