IEEEmembers interested in learning more about FIRST are encouraged to attend this year’s Half Hollow Hills Invitational. It is an annual competition among 24 Long Island high school teams. The teams compete head to head on a special playing field with robots they have designed, built and programmed and used in the prior year’s F.I.R.S.T. competition. This year’s robots will be playing FIRST STRONGHOLD, two alliances of three robots will attempt to breach their opponents’ fortifications, weaken their tower with boulders then capture it. This event is an exciting way to introduce members to the enthusiasm and rigors of Robotics competition. It serves as good practice for the SBPLI Long Island Regional held March/April annually at Hofstra University, in which 50 teams participate.

The event is hosted by Team 3624, The Thunderbolts at Half Hollow Hills High School West, 375 Wolf Hill Rd, Dix Hills on November 19. Competitions occur throughout the day, and admission is free. Stop in and watch the robots compete anytime between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.