First Robotics Competetion (FRC)

How does RML support the K-12 community?

Since spring term 2016, we have taken the initiative and role to Mentor a First Robotics Competition (FRC) Program at “Blacksburg High School”, a local high school located in the Blacksburg, VA area. The team includes high school students (grades 9 – 12) challenged to build and program a robot to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors, as well as raise funds, design a team “brand,” and hone teamwork skills. As volunteer professional mentors, we lend our time and the talents of the graduate and undergraduate students working in the Robotics & Mechatronics Lab (RML), as well as other undergraduate students recruited from COE to guide the team throughout the entire process. The interactions involve the following major activities: (1) provide access to VT Robotics and Mechatronics research lab; (2) Arrange and conduct workshops and seminars for the students.