FIRST - For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology

FIRST is the governing body that designs, hosts and organises all the competitions for various age categories world-wide. 

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is the highest level of competition within the FIRST program. Officially branded as the Ultimate Sport for the Mind but student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.”

Under strict rules, limited time and resources, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors.

Want to learn more? Check out this video: https://youtu.be/Jd29kzjclV0 or visit https://www.firstinspires.org

On the surface we are a student robotics team, building & designing robots to compete in FIRST competitions. Beyond the robots, we are an enterprise of young minds learning how to make an impact on our community. Our team is a non-profit organization made possible by our volunteer mentors who are passionate about teaching Robotics.

The team is open to high school students (ages 13-18) in the City of North Bay and surrounding areas. 

Our team is about fitting in, no matter who you are, or what you are interested in. There are no skills required to make an impact. Bring your passion and a desire to learn and we will fill you with the knowledge you need to reach your goals.

The team is also open to Mentors who wish to volunteer. Volunteers do not need to be engineers or trades professionals – our team is about more than just robots!

Thanks to our ongoing partnership with Canadore College they graciously host our build room and meeting rooms at Canadore College Commerce Court Campus (C5) at 60 Commerce Crescent, North Bay, ON P1A 0B4.

Our build room is often open! 

There is no obligation for students to attend each day - build your schedule!

Off-Season (May-December)

Monday 6:00-9:00 pm

Build Season (January - April)

Monday-Thursday: 6:00-9:00

Friday: Not open

Saturday: 10:00-6:00

Sunday: 12:00-6:00

Our team is so much more than just building robots. It takes many talented individuals to make a successful robotics team and we provide an enriching environment for students to take on challenges and showcase their knowledge. 

Students involved  with the robot can learn: 

• Programming - various programs and languages

• Fabrication - industrial tools, CNC machine, 3D printers, etc 

• Assembly - hand tools, hardware, etc 

• Electronics - wiring, circuits, soldering, etc

By getting involved in the business side of the team, students can learn:

• Project Management - fund raising, plan and organize events

• Marketing - build our brand

• Presentation & communication skills - interact with sponsors, fundraising

• Networking - interact with alumni, job opportunities, co-op placements 

• Media - website, social media, etc

We promote concepts of problem solving, perserverance, teamwork, esprit de corps, having fun, making friends…and so much more!

It's free to join! We believe in accessibility, so joining the team is completely free.

If you wish to participate in community outreach events or competitions, then a team shirt will need to be purchased for $45. 

There are additional costs to participate in out of town competitions, but the event hosted by North Bay Robotics here in North Bay is free.   

FIRST offers many different programs for different age groups if your child is not old enough to join FIRST Team 1305. Students in pre-Kindergarten to age 13 can join a FIRST Lego League team. Click here to learn more.