The 2012 FIRST Robotics Competition is called Rebound Rumble and it is the robotics equivalent of basketball.  The field is split into 2 zones by a low barrier in the middle of the field. There are also three bridges in the middle of the field which can tilt  either to the left or right when pushed. Four scoring hoops are located in each alliance wall, at three different heights. Alliances of 3 must score as many basketballs as possible into the hoops at the opposite end of the field, aided by reflective vision targets above each hoop.

  

 

The robots begin each round with the “hybrid” period, placing their robots at the top of the key, and gaining extra points for making baskets. One member from each alliance can also use their FIRST-supplied Xbox Kinect to control the motions of the robot.

 

During the tele-operated period, teams may score balls from anywhere on the court. The higher the hoop the robot scores in, the more points the alliance wins.

 

The match ends with robots trying to balance on the bridges in the middle of the field. Bridges that hold robots from different alliances win coopertition points for working together.