I am a FIRST Robotics mentor for Team 16 in Mountain Home AR. In my opinion, this program is essential for students interested in the fields of mathematics, science and engineering. It gives them a feel for what they might expierence in the "real world". From design straight through to the build process and everything in between. Although the robots are built for a specific purpose( whatever the game might be for the season) the ideas can be adapted for industry. IE the drive system on the robot designed by team 16 can easily be used for automated equipment and stock carriers in warehouses.
The students also learn of similar devices to work with like the arduino and basic stamp. I hope to have a few small projects this off season with bots that can make way through a maze and back. The students realize if they can dream it.. they can build it. It is certainly a good learning enviroment for myself as well.
I am a FIRST Robotics mentor for Team 16 in Mountain Home AR. In my opinion, this program is essential for students interested in the fields of mathematics, science and engineering. It gives them a feel for what they might expierence in the "real world". From design straight through to the build process and everything in between. Although the robots are built for a specific purpose( whatever the game might be for the season) the ideas can be adapted for industry. IE the drive system on the robot designed by team 16 can easily be used for automated equipment and stock carriers in warehouses.
The students also learn of similar devices to work with like the arduino and basic stamp. I hope to have a few small projects this off season with bots that can make way through a maze and back. The students realize if they can dream it.. they can build it. It is certainly a good learning enviroment for myself as well.