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RALEIGH -- A roar filled Raleigh's Dorton Area as time started ticking for budding engineers. The six-week countdown is on for students across the state to build a masterpiece that moves and manipulates objects.

"We have to figure out what kind of drive systems we want our robots to have. What is our robot going to do, even, and after that we have to start fabricating the parts," said high school senior Erin Wenig.

At this First Robotics event, students received the rules for this year's competition. The requirements say robots must place inflatable shapes that create First's logo on a vertical tree and mini robots climb up a vertical post.

"I think it's a pretty hard challenge but I'm hoping that in the six weeks we can hunker down and get this done," said North Meck junior Adam Carriker.

First Robotics judge Donald McCoy said this competition continues to raise the bar.

“The kids continue to get better and better with their designs. Innovation is the key," he said.

In April, 52 teams and their prized products will compete in the regional competition. The top three move on to nationals in St. Louis.