The 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) season has officially begun with the launch of an exciting new game, REEFSCAPE. This year’s theme submerges participants in the realm of ocean exploration and conservation, focusing on coral reefs, one of Earth’s most essential ecosystems. Teams will design and build robots to tackle tasks inspired by real-world initiatives to protect marine life and maintain biodiversity.
Robotics teams play in groups of three called ‘alliances’. These alliances compete against one another at competitions. This year’s REEFSCAPE game presents new challenges for teams, including tasks such as collecting Coral (shortened PVC pipes) and strategically placing it on the Reef (the ‘home base’) to earn points. The Reef is built with levels of rods, each higher one granting more points if a Coral is placed on it. Additionally, teams can gather Algae (rubber dodgeballs) and deliver them to a designated Barge (central gutter-like area) for extra points. The game emphasizes strategic collaboration within alliances, making communication and planning just as important as technical skills.
Within the game, teams can earn specific points for certain collaborative and individual objectives. Initially, robots operate autonomously, and can score points if they score without humans controlling them. For example, there is a point allocated to those who can place the Coral on each level of the Reef, and for full teams that can gather at a Barge once the round ends.
Pacific Grove High School’s robotics team, the BreakerBots (Team 5104), is eager to take on the challenge. Throughout the years, the BreakerBots team has grown into a welcoming community for students who are passionate about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). With many members and a diverse range of skills, the BreakerBots prioritize areas such as project management, art, and communication, ensuring that every member finds their niche within the team.
The BreakerBots have gotten into full swing these past weeks, dedicating their build season to creating a robot tailored to REEFSCAPE’s gameplay strategy. The team completes many rounds of designing, prototyping, programming, and troubleshooting within the demanding six-week timeframe. Students work in various roles, from mechanical assembly and computer-aided design (CAD) to software development, transforming the build season into a hands-on learning experience for everyone involved.
