Robotics

The contestants look like refugees from science fiction movies, strange metal contraptions with any number of wheels, treads, arms, scoops and unidentifiable parts. Their masters are high-school-aged kids, and they are hoping that their creations will prove to be the best at a wild, basketball-like game that is the centerpiece of the First Robotics Competition. Host Terry Bradshaw gets down-and-dirty with the contestants (both human and mechanical) at this futuristic event, finding out how they have solved the engineering problems inherent in getting machines to perform a sporting event. While some teams enjoy the backing of corporations, other kids have worked basically alone to fashion effective robots on shoestring budgets. But all that matters are the results. While the action is often amusing, the goal is deadly serious, for winners receive valuable scholarships and the chance to take what they've learned to the next level.

• documentary