Scenes from a National Robotics League Competition [SLIDESHOW]
The National Robotics League National Competition will be held May 16 and 17 at the Lou Higgins Center, Baldwin Wallace University, Berea, Ohio. Fifty-one student teams from 33 schools in 7 states will compete to determine whose robot is the best in the nation.
The event, sponsored by the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) is designed to introduce a new generation of Americans to manufacturing.
This photogallery shows scenes from the AWT RoboBots Competition held April 26 in Mentor, Ohio. Sponsored by the Alliance for Working Together (AWT) Foundation, the northeast Ohio event was one of 13 NRL-sanctioned regional tournaments held throughout the country.
Having attended, I think it's important to note that these events are far more than the flying sparks and grinding metal in the battle cage. They are about learning, teamwork and volunteerism -- as well as opportunities to introduce students to the world or manufacturing.
Volunteers, including competition organizers, company sponsors and teachers, make the competition possible (that's why I name as many of the volunteers as I can).
The Manufacturer's Agenda: Recruiting Students to Manufacturing: The Ground Game.