FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

DULUTH - Local high school students are getting ready to go head–to–head in one intense competition.

The FIRST Robotics double competition kicked off Thursday at the DECC.

Robotics teams from Duluth East, Denfeld, Marshall and Lakeview Christian Academy helped make up nearly 100 teams that are competing in the largest regional event outside of the world championships.

Participants say the event is about more than just having some fun.

"It's an educational experience for everybody, it's not only building the ideas of robotics, but it's also building people as better people," Duluth East ninth grader Henri Laliberte said.

The competition will run through Saturday.