Question 1

What is FIRST LEGO League Future Edition?

Accepted Answer

FIRST and LEGO Education are thrilled to present FIRST LEGO League Future Edition, a brand new robot game which over time will replace the current game table and SPIKE Prime robots. FLL Future Edition introduces new and innovative technologies that integrate LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, creating a more interactive gameplay that focuses on equal opportunity within the team and exciting Coopertition® at the game table.

FLL Future Edition makes it easier to get started with the FIRST LEGO League program in classroom, after-school, and at-home settings, designed to better support teachers and coaches juggling multiple teams. New features include wireless hardware, a teaching portal for easy instruction, and a digital coding canvas.

Both Future Edition and the familiar SPIKE-based FIRST LEGO League program, FLL Founder's Edition, will run competitions simultaneously for two years. Future Edition will begin its first season in August 2026, and Founder's Edition will complete its final season in July 2028. At this point, LEGO SPIKE Prime robots will retire and will no longer be supported or sold by any official retailers.

Question 2

What does the new game look like?

Accepted Answer

The FIRST Core Values will remain integral to all aspects of the event, as well as a team project presentation in the judging session, but the game experience will change in several ways:

Teams play in semi-cooperative matches with another team on a shared game field 
Every student at the table has an active role in the game 
Opportunities to increase the challenge level across the year 3-8 program to ensure older students are engaged 
Hardware provided by the team is embedded in game models for added opportunities for interaction and creative solutions

Question 3

Can teams participate in both Founders and Future Edition at the same time? How will judging work?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Teams are welcome to participate in both FLL Founders and Future Edition competitions, provided that the coach has gone through the registration and payment process for both separate programs through the FIRST Australia Dashboard and dependent on regional availability. Please keep an eye out for announcements from the FIRST Australia team as to when registration will open for FLL Future Edition in the 2026-2027 season.

Events will have separate judging, matches, awards, and advancement paths. More information will be released closer to season launch about which areas will have Future Edition regionals and whether these will take place on the same date or at the same venue as Founders Edition events.

Question 4

Will there be FLL Future Edition competitions in my area or online/remotely for the 2026-2027 season?

Accepted Answer

For the first season of FIRST LEGO League Future Edition in 2026-2027, the FIRST Australia team will be working with regional Tournament Directors in major metropolitan areas to deliver FLL Challenge Future Edition events. These may run in conjunction with or independently from the typical Challenge regionals running in the Australian season. Please keep an eye out for further information from FIRST Australia and Tournament Directors as the season approaches.

There will also be a National Championship hosted at Macquarie University in December for the FLL Challenge Future Edition program. Further information on the qualification process for this event will be made available ahead of the upcoming season.

FLL Explore Future Edition Festivals will operate similarly to how Explore Festivals have operated in past seasons, with Festivals as non-mandatory events hosted by teams, schools or local organisations. FIRST Australia will host a National Festival at Macquarie University in December to provide an opportunity for Explore teams to present their hard work if there are no alternate opportunities in their area.

Question 5

Where can I access the new teaching portal and resources?

Accepted Answer

LEGO Education Computer Science & AI resources will be made available through LEGO Education and authorised Australian distributors in the coming weeks. FLL Future Edition resources will be released as the season approaches. Please keep an eye out for further information from the FIRST Australia team.

Question 6

FIRST LEGO League in its current format has been popular for almost 30 years. Why change it?

Accepted Answer

With the launch of FIRST LEGO League Future Edition, we have a generational opportunity to evolve the FIRST LEGO League experience to increase both reach and impact. Feedback from current and potential participants prompted us to make changes that make it easier for teachers and coaches to implement the program and manage multiple teams.  
  
The reimagined FIRST LEGO League breaks down barriers and addresses the STEM learning needs of students and educators everywhere. It’s easier to get started, provides seamless delivery across both in-school and after-school settings, engages every child — whether or not they would typically participate in STEM — and makes an immediate impact.  
  
The FIRST LEGO League program has been intentionally designed for both in-school and after-school environments, and makes sure every student has the opportunity to get hands-on with bricks and code as they take turns performing specialised team roles. We have also tied the yearly team Project closer to the annual theme and game experience. This means we can now also reach children and young people that wouldn’t typically partake in the program, truly making FIRST LEGO League for all students!

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 7

Does the FIRST LEGO League program still have the same intent and mission?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The FIRST LEGO League mission hasn’t changed — we’re here to spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence through hands-on STEM learning. What’s new is how we deliver that mission, making it more accessible than ever.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 8

How is the new experience improved over the current one?

Accepted Answer

FIRST LEGO League is designed with educators and students at the forefront. The updated program is easier to deliver to groups of students, aligns with classroom learning with minimal preparation, and helps every child experience the joy of discovery — even those who might not have seen themselves in STEM.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 9

What's changing with FLL Future Edition?

Accepted Answer

FIRST LEGO LEAGUE Future Edition is more flexible, with new educator tools, refreshed content, and a seamless program design that works both in and after school learning environments. We’ve simplified the setup and added support that helps teachers and coaches focus on what matters most: inspiring students to participate in STEM through hands-on robotics activities. New features include wireless hardware, a teaching portal for easy instruction, and a digital coding canvas.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 10

What's staying the same?

Accepted Answer

The heart of FIRST LEGO League — creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving through robotics — will remain the same. We remain committed to our mission of inspiring students through STEM learning and showing them that they can, when they didn’t know they could!

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 11

When will this change take effect?

Accepted Answer

FIRST LEGO League Future Edition will officially launch in August 2026, however FIRST LEGO League Founders Edition (SPIKE-based program) will be available until July 2028. Full transition support and resources will be available for current partners and teams.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 12

What will be different about FIRST LEGO League Future Edition compared to Founders Edition?

Accepted Answer

With the launch of LEGO Education Computer Science & AI we have a generational opportunity to evolve the FIRST LEGO League experience to increase both reach and impact.   
  
We have evolved the program to make FIRST LEGO League easier for teachers and coaches to implement, and we have made it simpler to manage multiple teams. We have intentionally designed the program for both in-school and after-school programs and made sure that every student gets hands-on with bricks, code and project work, as they take turns performing specialised team roles.   
  
The wireless hardware from LEGO Education Computer Science & AI gives participants new play possibilities, allowing students to interact with their own game models across the mat and level up the game as their skills advance.   
This semi-cooperative game play means teams will compete side-by-side on a shared field that rewards coordination and collaboration.  
  
The FIRST Core Values will remain integral to all aspects of the event, as well as a team project presentation in the judging session, but the game experience will change in several ways:

Teams play in semi-cooperative matches with another team on a shared game field  
Every student at the table has an active role in the game  
Opportunities to increase the challenge level across the year 3-8 program to ensure older students are engaged  
Hardware provided by the team is embedded in game models for added opportunities for interaction and creative solutions

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 13

Will FIRST LEGO League Future Edition maintain the divisions known from the Founders Edition?

Accepted Answer

When developing Future Edition, we worked with the age/year bands of LEGO Education Computer Science & AI.   
This means that the program is designed for ages 5-7 and 8-14. While we recommend promoting these age bands when speaking about the program, we also understand there may be older participants, and we will not turn away students up to age 16. Participants ages 14+ should also be encouraged to progress to FIRST Tech Challenge when necessary, but we are aware that this is not a possibility in all regions.  
  
FIRST LEGO League Future Edition will cover ages 5-7 and 8-14.  There will be opportunities to increase the challenge level across the program to ensure older students remain engaged and challenged. Students who fall outside of these year bands can still practise with their teams, whereas competition participation is at the discretion of the Program Delivery Partner.   
  
Please note that FIRST LEGO League Discover for PreK is retiring after the 2025-2026 season, and that no new program will be available for this age range.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 14

Why not let FIRST LEGO League Founders Edition continue as long as SPIKE is still supported?

Accepted Answer

This is the single largest update to the FIRST LEGO League program in its nearly 30-year history. With the launch of the new LEGO Education Computer Science & AI kits, and new wireless hardware, we took the opportunity to break down some of the barriers to participation that we have heard about from the community. This will allow us to reach and positively impact even more children around the globe! We want to ensure focus on the new program and all the benefits it brings to teams, teachers and coaches, rather than running double materials and events.  
  
With the overall program changes, it’s important to note that the new FIRST LEGO League experience is not compatible with LEGO Education SPIKE™ technology or other legacy products.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 15

At first glance, there doesn't seem to be much coding involved in FIRST LEGO League Future Edition- can that be right?

Accepted Answer

Coding is still a central part of the FIRST LEGO League experience. We have focused on the breadth of the skills applied in the program, including coding, and have prompted teachers to suggest coding as a solution. Additionally, when you purchase the season set, you get access to all the LEGO Education Computer Science & AI lessons and can teach relevant aspects of computer science and artificial intelligence. While FIRST LEGO League Future Edition is easy to get started with and immediately impactful for all students, it also allows students to deepen their learning and advance their skills as far as they want!

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 16

Will FIRST LEGO League Future Edition utilise the AI features available in LEGO Education Computer Science & AI?

Accepted Answer

In the initial season of FIRST LEGO League Future Edition, students will not be expected to use the AI features of LEGO Education Computer Science and AI.  However, we will be exploring AI features in coming seasons.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 17

Can we use the LEGO Education SPIKE app in FIRST LEGO League Future Edition?

Accepted Answer

The LEGO Education SPIKE App is not compatible with the new wireless LEGO Education hardware. Instead, we have developed a brand-new app called LEGO Education Coding Canvas.

While Coding Canvas is a new app, it is built on the same programming paradigm as the LEGO Education SPIKE app (i.e., word and icon blocks). Most of the blocks will be the same or similar, with the exception of AI blocks and blocks related to the hardware. These blocks have added help within the blocks in the form of "custom pickers" that guide the users when setting the parameters. Therefore, users who are familiar with the LEGO Education SPIKE app can quickly find themselves proficient in Coding Canvas. Additionally, Coding Canvas has an extensive help section with block descriptors to support new users. Right clicking a block and clicking “help” will take you directly to the block description in the help section.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 18

It looks like LEGO Education Science has the same hardware- can we use those kits for FIRST LEGO League?

Accepted Answer

We recommend using the LEGO Education Computer Science & AI sets, as LEGO Education Science is comprised of a different set of bricks and hardware than LEGO Education Computer Science & AI. For this reason, we will not provide building instructions for models created with the Science kits, and it will be difficult to use just the Science kit to build the relevant team solution models for FIRST LEGO League participation. That being said, if participants can manage, they will not be turned away at events.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 19

With the launch of FIRST LEGO League Future Edition, can we still participate in events using legacy products?

Accepted Answer

Teams using legacy products, like LEGO Education SPIKE, can participate in FIRST LEGO League Founders Edition through to the end of the 2027-2028 season, while teams using LEGO Education Computer Science & AI will participate in Future Edition.   
  
By August 2028, FIRST LEGO League will fully operate as one unified program serving students ages 5 – 14 (5-16 in Australia and some other counties) with a single season identity. At this point, legacy LEGO Education sets formerly used in Founders Edition can no longer be used in FIRST LEGO League.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 20

Who is FIRST LEGO League Future Edition intended for?

Accepted Answer

The evolved FIRST LEGO League experience is designed for students ages 5 – 14 (although students aged up to 16 may participate in Australia and some other countries), and for everyone who aspires to make STEM fun and accessible for children of all skill levels and backgrounds. Everyone from students, teachers and after-school coaches to community leaders and mentors are encouraged to join in on the fun!

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 21

How does it benefit educators and administrators?

Accepted Answer

FIRST LEGO League is easy to adopt, flexible to teach even with multiple teams, and designed to fit right into classrooms and after-school settings. With ready-to-go materials and training, anyone can lead a meaningful STEM experience — no prior skill or background required.   
  
When you purchase FIRST LEGO League Future Edition, you get access to all of the content you would get with LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, including lessons available through the LEGO Education Teacher portal. We will continue to host all of our event materials on the FIRSTLEGOLeague.org website.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 22

How does it benefit community teams?

Accepted Answer

Community teams will find it simpler to get started and stay engaged, with flexible options that work in clubs, community centres, or at home. We have made it even easier to facilitate multiple teams to ensure that more children can experience the magic of FIRST LEGO League. Guidance is given for each role to get started, prompting inspiration that allows students to take their builds, coding and strategy as far as they want.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 23

Can FIRST LEGO League Future Edition be used in the classroom?

Accepted Answer

Yes — FIRST LEGO League Future Edition is intentionally built for multi-team facilitation in classroom and afterschool settings, connecting directly to learning standards while keeping the fun and teamwork FIRST LEGO Leagueis known for. The idea is to take STEM learning beyond screens and textbooks by focusing on “whole child” development. In small teams, students research and create together, learning problem-solving skills through a series of hands-on challenges that connect learning to real-world themes and standards.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 24

Can FIRST LEGO League Future Edition be used in after-school settings or at home?

Accepted Answer

Definitely. The new format of FIRST LEGO League works everywhere that learning happens — in –classrooms, after-school, community settings, and beyond!

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 25

Do I have to be a teacher to run FIRST LEGO League Future Edition?

Accepted Answer

You do not have to be a teacher to run the FIRST LEGO League Future Edition. The program is designed so anyone passionate about helping kids explore STEM can facilitate one or more teams.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 26

How does the FIRST LEGO League program help achieve curriculum standards?

Accepted Answer

As a curriculum companion, FIRST LEGO League uses LEGO Educational Computer Science & AI, a standards-aligned technology designed to support classroom instruction. It works alongside existing lesson plans to deliver hands-on, engaging STEM learning experiences.

Lessons connect naturally to science, technology, and maths standards — but the skills go even deeper: teamwork, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and more.

Further information on alignment to Australian curriculum standards will be made available as the season approaches. Please keep an eye out for further information from the FIRST Australia team.

Question 27

How will the updated FIRST LEGO League game differ from the current experience?

Accepted Answer

The core challenge structure of FIRST LEGO League remains the same, but the new experience makes the game easier to introduce and more dynamic at competitive events. The Future Edition game now includes four active player roles at the game table, designed to engage students with different skills and interests such as building, coding, strategy and communication. Each role is provided with a starter tool and guided mission, making it easy to get started with playing the game. Players will iterate on their tools' design and coding, then develop team strategy as they prepare to compete at events. All four roles work together to solve missions, and some missions will require careful coordination between players to succeed!

During lessons and practice, students work in groups of 2 and rotate the roles, ensuring that every student gets to build, code and work on the project. This supports educators and coaches in engaging the students across multiple teams.

At events, the Future Edition game is played by two teams on a shared game field. Four players from each team compete in a fast-paced, 2.5-minute match. Some missions are shared, allowing both teams to earn points, encouraging teams to communicate, collaborate, and make real-time decisions with the other team in addition to their own team strategy. 
  
For more details on the updated game structure, visit the linked FIRST blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke here.

Question 28

How does FIRST LEGO League engage students?

Accepted Answer

FIRST LEGO League takes foundational classroom concepts and brings them to life through annual, themed challenges that inspire students to find solutions to real-world problems. Through the process of researching, testing, and collaborating, participants build, code, and create together with the opportunity to learn how to fail safely and grow their skills for more advanced projects and programs.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 29

What are the minimum and maximum numbers of students in one team?

Accepted Answer

The recommendation is a minimum of 4 team members and a maximum of 8 team members. Future Edition is purposely designed to enable a coach to simultaneously work with 3-4 teams of 8 in a classroom or after-school club.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 30

What will FIRST LEGO League school and classroom events look like?

Accepted Answer

FIRST LEGO League events can be big or small — classroom showcases, school tournaments, or local gatherings — all designed to celebrate creativity and learning. More specific information regarding events will be released throughout 2026.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 31

What will advancement look like in FIRST LEGO League?

Accepted Answer

The pathway in FIRST LEGO League will still allow for progression from classroom events to partner tournaments and beyond, with opportunities for recognition at every level. For the 2026 - 2027 and 2027 - 2028 seasons, teams may either participate in Founders Edition or Future Edition events with the opportunity to be invited to either World Festival at FIRST Championship or an Open Invitational event. Either way, there are opportunities to compete at an international event each season.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 32

What will happen to the FIRST Championship World Festival and International Opens when we implement the evolved FIRST LEGO League program?

Accepted Answer

For the 2026 - 2027 and 2027 - 2028 FIRST LEGO League seasons, teams may either participate in Founders Edition or Future Edition events with the opportunity to be invited to either World Festival at FIRST Championship or an Open Invitational event. These events will continue to showcase top teams globally — we’re simply making it easier for more students to participate.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 33

Does the FIRST LEGO League season timeline or duration change?

Accepted Answer

The FIRST LEGO League program remains flexible so educators can adapt it to their schedules, but the overall season rhythm will feel familiar.

The new theme will kick off each August with team meetings, scrimmages, official events and international celebrations happening in approximately the same schedule it does now.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 34

How do the learning outcomes of FIRST LEGO League differ from the current experience?

Accepted Answer

We’re deepening the focus on collaboration, creativity, and confidence — helping students see themselves as capable problem-solvers in any setting. LEGO Education Computer Science & AI is the foundational technology for Future Edition, aligning with curriculum standards to further hands-on, real-world learning.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 35

How does FIRST LEGO League Future Edition and Founders Edition connect to the rest of the FIRST progression of programs?

Accepted Answer

FIRST LEGO League Future Edition builds a stronger bridge to other FIRST programs, particularly through the new addition of cooperative game play preparing students to advance through the progression with the right skills and mindset.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 36

Can teams use iPads with FLL Future Edition, or will we need laptops?

Accepted Answer

Yes- iPads are supported in FLL Future Edition, along with laptops.

Question 37

Are the division names (Explore/Challenge) going away?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After Founders Edition runs its last season in 2027-2028, the FIRST LEGO League division names- currently Discover, Explore and Challenge- will be retired in favour of a simpler, more unified structure focused on age and skill.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 38

Will there still be a robot design presentation, or just the student Innovation Project?

Accepted Answer

Teams will speak to judges at events about what they learned and how they worked as a team. Details and corresponding judging rubrics will be released at season kickoff.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 39

How will Core Values and Project be weighted compared to the table game?

Accepted Answer

Future Edition will still value and celebrate all areas of the FIRST LEGO League experience. Details will be released at season kickoff.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 40

How are community and school-based teams supported and advanced at FIRST Australia events?

Accepted Answer

Community teams are an essential part of the ethos and FIRST Core Values of FIRST LEGO League, and they are fully supported in the program. More information will be shared soon regarding bundling and the best ways for community teams to stay involved. At FIRST Australia events, community teams are treated the same as school-based teams, ensuring an inclusive and equitable experience for all participants.

As has always been emphasised, community involvement and Coopertition are critical to the FIRST LEGO League experience. All teams, whether community-based or school-based, are welcome to participate at local events.

For Future Edition teams in the 2026-2027 season, there may be opportunities to advance to international events. Details about which events are available and how teams progress will be released at a future date.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 41

What about teams that span the age ranges of the kits?

Accepted Answer

Teams can accommodate students in the year group ranges of approximately Foundation/K-2 (ages 5+) and 3-10 (ages 8+). It is recommended that the age 11+ Computer Science & AI kits are used when spanning multiple year levels.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 42

What hardware and field setup are required for FIRST LEGO League Future Edition events?

Accepted Answer

Teams competing in Future Edition 8-16 will need two age-appropriate LEGO Education Computer Science & AI kits. One set will be used for their team solutions, and one set will be used at the game table during matches. Both sets are used throughout the season to support creative building and coding, giving students more elements to experiment with, iterate on, and test their team solutions. No hardware is provided by the event host or organiser. All hardware brought to the game table is used, programmed, and managed by the team and is returned to them after each match.

Future Edition competitions will use one 4' x 8' (121cm x 244 cm) table shared by two teams during a match, with two half mats filling the entire space. Any hardware the team uses on the table will be returned to the team following their match. Each team must bring all eight required hardware pieces to set up their half of the game field, and no additional hardware is allowed. Some game models are programmable, allowing students to code and iterate on them as part of their mission strategy.

There will be no overlap in hardware between legacy LEGO Education SPIKE Prime kits and the LEGO Education Computer Science & AI kits during the transition, as the legacy products' hardware is not compatible with the Future Edition program.

As always, teams can utilise any LEGO bricks, including LEGO Technic bricks, to create their team solutions.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 43

I have 10 students on my team today. Can we still participate with Future Edition?

Accepted Answer

Future Edition is designed for a maximum of 8 students per team. However, participation rules will allow for some flexibility in how many students may attend events and represent the team in judged areas.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 44

What are the expected cycle times for Future Edition matches?

Accepted Answer

Future Edition will run 2.5 minute matches as we do today. Sample schedules are being created to help event organisers plan time for teams to set up for a match.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 45

What are the table setup, referee and robot rules for FIRST LEGO League Future Edition events?

Accepted Answer

Each competition table will have two referees.

For audience viewing, the current camera setup used in your region today is still recommended.

Rules regarding how much of the robot movement is remote-controlled or if there is an all-autonomous period for the 2026-2027 season will be released at Season Kickoff on August 4, 2026.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 46

Can Python or text-based coding languages be used in FIRST LEGO League Future Edition?

Accepted Answer

Teams can have a more robust text-based coding experience with the new solution LEGO Education Computer Science & AI than they were able to have with the SPIKE Prime version. For text-based coding options, LEGO Education Computer Science & AI includes a Python API package that can be integrated into any Integrated Development Environment (IDE), e.g. VS Code, so teams can use the IDE they are already using for text-based coding. With the new API, teams can connect directly to any of the hardware.

Please note that this information comes from the FIRST LEGO League program headquarters in the US. See the announcement blog post from Kim Wierman and Camilla Bottke for more information here, or view resources for LEGO Computer Science & AI on the LEGO Education website here.

Question 47

I'm not seeing the answer to my question here. When will I know more?

Accepted Answer

FIRST Australia is continuing to update this FAQ page in line with guidance from the FIRST headquarters (FIRST Inspires) in the US. Many details for the 2026-2027 season will also be released at Kickoff in August 2026, per the regular season launch. This includes information around rules, the rubric and judging materials, and other specifics about the game that teams need to know.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about FIRST Australia programs, registrations, events, and how to get involved.

What is FIRST LEGO League Future Edition?

What does the new game look like?

Can teams participate in both Founders and Future Edition at the same time? How will judging work?

Will there be FLL Future Edition competitions in my area or online/remotely for the 2026-2027 season?

Where can I access the new teaching portal and resources?

FIRST LEGO League in its current format has been popular for almost 30 years. Why change it?

Does the FIRST LEGO League program still have the same intent and mission?

How is the new experience improved over the current one?

What's changing with FLL Future Edition?

What's staying the same?

When will this change take effect?

What will be different about FIRST LEGO League Future Edition compared to Founders Edition?

Will FIRST LEGO League Future Edition maintain the divisions known from the Founders Edition?

Why not let FIRST LEGO League Founders Edition continue as long as SPIKE is still supported?

At first glance, there doesn't seem to be much coding involved in FIRST LEGO League Future Edition- can that be right?

Will FIRST LEGO League Future Edition utilise the AI features available in LEGO Education Computer Science & AI?

Can we use the LEGO Education SPIKE app in FIRST LEGO League Future Edition?

It looks like LEGO Education Science has the same hardware- can we use those kits for FIRST LEGO League?

With the launch of FIRST LEGO League Future Edition, can we still participate in events using legacy products?

Who is FIRST LEGO League Future Edition intended for?

How does it benefit educators and administrators?

How does it benefit community teams?

Can FIRST LEGO League Future Edition be used in the classroom?

Can FIRST LEGO League Future Edition be used in after-school settings or at home?

Do I have to be a teacher to run FIRST LEGO League Future Edition?

How does the FIRST LEGO League program help achieve curriculum standards?

How will the updated FIRST LEGO League game differ from the current experience?

How does FIRST LEGO League engage students?

What are the minimum and maximum numbers of students in one team?

What will FIRST LEGO League school and classroom events look like?

What will advancement look like in FIRST LEGO League?

What will happen to the FIRST Championship World Festival and International Opens when we implement the evolved FIRST LEGO League program?

Does the FIRST LEGO League season timeline or duration change?

How do the learning outcomes of FIRST LEGO League differ from the current experience?

How does FIRST LEGO League Future Edition and Founders Edition connect to the rest of the FIRST progression of programs?

Can teams use iPads with FLL Future Edition, or will we need laptops?

Are the division names (Explore/Challenge) going away?

Will there still be a robot design presentation, or just the student Innovation Project?

How will Core Values and Project be weighted compared to the table game?

How are community and school-based teams supported and advanced at FIRST Australia events?

What about teams that span the age ranges of the kits?

What hardware and field setup are required for FIRST LEGO League Future Edition events?

I have 10 students on my team today. Can we still participate with Future Edition?

What are the expected cycle times for Future Edition matches?

What are the table setup, referee and robot rules for FIRST LEGO League Future Edition events?

Can Python or text-based coding languages be used in FIRST LEGO League Future Edition?

I'm not seeing the answer to my question here. When will I know more?

Subscribe to our newsletter

FIRST® is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of welcoming, team-based youth robotics programs.

FIRST® is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of welcoming, team-based youth robotics programs.