High school students around the world are building competition robots with parts provided by Parker Hannifen in Otsego.
Parker Hannifin donated brass fittings and valves — a contribution valued at between $10,000 and $50,000 — in the kit of 577 items given to teams of robot-builders as part of the competition, which combines science, technology and a sporting event.
A variety of companies provided parts for the kits that are used in
US FIRST — United States Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology - competitions worldwide.
US FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology.
As part of the FIRST Robotic Competition, teams of high school students receive motors, batteries, a control system, a PC and a mix of automative components. No instructions on how to assemble a robot are included. Instead, teams work with mentors to build, design, program and test their robots over a six-week period.
The goal of the competition is to put the latest technology in the hands of students, give them the opportunity to use the same tools as professional scientists and engineers and ultimately impart skills they could carry into the workplace
The kits of parts were distributed to more than 1,800 teams of high-school students in January.
More than 45,000 students from 12 countries will design and build robots for regional competitions which are now underway. The world championship is scheduled for April 15-17 in Atlanta. Participants are eligible to apply for nearly $12 million in scholarships offered by universities, colleges, and companies.
This year's competition is called
Breakaway and it calls for robots that can shoot soccer balls into a net, drive over a bump to round up soccer balls, and hang suspended from a tower. Robots that can hang from another robot earn extra points for their team.
Paul R. Gudonis, of FIRST, praised Parker Hannifen for its contribution, saying the Fluid System Connectors Division has helped "to create a world where science and technology are celebrated… where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders."
Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Paul R. Gudonis
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