What is the competition like?

In the FIRST Tech program, students build metal robots that are about 18 inch by 18 in. by 18 in.  The competition is like a sport.  Two teams of robotics compete against each other to score points.  The game changes every year, but usually involves scoring objects in a goal and other tasks.  

The teams work in alliances consisting of two teams that are randomly assigned in the opening rounds.  Then 8 teams advance to the finals and draft two other teams to be on an alliance with them.  These 8 alliances then compete in a bracket to determine the winner.