On Saturday,
January 4th, 2025,
after months of
anticipation and hard
work, over 30
different teams
gathered in
Skillman, New Jersey
at Montgomery
High School for the
19th annual Skillman
Kickoff event,
officially beginning
the Build Season.
Before the Kickoff broadcast each year, students and mentors can attend workshops held by different mentors and Team 1403 members to learn about different aspects of robotics. The workshop topics include robot design regarding linear motion with pneumatics & sensors, bumpers, and how to design components with Autodesk Inventor. These workshops help teach members of FIRST how to accomplish certain tasks that are crucial to the success of their teams. After all the workshops are concluded, teams gather in the school’s multi-performing arts center to reveal the new season’s challenge. During the stream, several speakers give inspirational speeches to the FIRST community, applauding FIRST robotics as well as teaching important life skills such as dedication and teamwork.
The Kickoff event officially marks the beginning of the 6-week Build Season for Team 1403. During Build Season, all members work together to prepare for competition and create a successful final product.