Doors open to the community on Saturday, May 19, when the robots clash in gladiator-style, double-elimination contests inside two shatter-resistant arenas. The action continues virtually nonstop from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For 70 teams of high school students, the road to robotics glory runs through California University of Pennsylvania.
More than 600 competitors from seven states and Puerto Rico will face off Friday and Saturday, May 18-19, when the National Robotics League returns to the Cal U Convocation Center for its national competition.
Teams complete their required safety checks, documentation reviews and face-to-face interviews May 18, earning points toward the Grand Champion title and $500 prize.
Doors open to the community on Saturday, May 19, when the robots clash in gladiator-style, double-elimination contests inside two shatter-resistant arenas. The action continues virtually nonstop from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission to the family-friendly competition is free. Get directions to Cal U
STEM Skills in Action
The National Robotics League is an educational program of the National Tooling and Machining Association. NRL competitors learn STEM skills and are introduced to careers in fields such as robotics, mechatronics and advanced manufacturing.
Students meet deadlines, use CAD software and test their designs before driving the remote-controlled, 15-pound robots into the “battle zone.” Behind the scenes, the pit crew utilizes critical thinking skills to troubleshoot and repair damaged robots so they can return to clash again.
“Manufacturers support the competition because its ‘wow’ factor helps to overcome two major challenges – attracting the best and brightest into manufacturing careers … and communicating the clean, green, high-tech reality of today’s manufacturing,” the NRL reports.
A number of Cal U alumni mentor high school robotics teams, and past NRL competitors are enrolled in the university’s engineering technology programs. NRL competitors also have a chance to meet Cal U professors who serve as judges and volunteers at the competition.
“Cal U is proud to showcase the nation’s most competitive NRL teams for a third consecutive year,” says University President Geraldine M. Jones.
“It’s a chance for Cal U to introduce itself to promising high school students who are enthusiastic about science, engineering and technology — fields where Cal U is a recognized leader. If students are looking for hands-on, career-focused education, our campus may be their first stop on the path to a rewarding, lifetime career.”
Watch the robots rumble
California University of Pennsylvania welcomes visitors to the National Robotics League national competition May 19 at the Convocation Center. Bouts begin at 8:30 a.m. and finish about 7 p.m., with the awards ceremony set for 7:30 p.m.
The Grand Champion Trophy and $500 prize goes to the team with the highest combined score. First, second and third place, Best Engineering, Best Documentation, Best Team Presentations, Best Sportsmanship, Coolest Robot and People’s Choice awards also will be presented.
Admission and visitor parking are free.
Participating schools
Students from these schools* are expected to participate in the NRL’s national competition at Cal U:
- Admiral Peary Vocational Technical School
- Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus, Ohio
- Baldwin High School
- Butler County Community College Robotics Club
- Beaumont School, Cleveland Hts., Ohio
- Bedford High School
- Bishop Canevin High School
- Bloomsburg Area High School
- Blue Ridge High School, Lakeside, Ariz.
- Butler Senior High School
- California Area School District
- California University of Pennsylvania
- Canon-McMillan High School
- Community College of Allegheny County
- Central Valley School District
- Clairton High School
- Cleveland Heights High School, Ohio
- CMU Robotics Club
- Cochranton High School
- CSULB, Long Beach, Calif.
- Dixie Technical College, St. George, Utah
- Four Cities Educational Compact – Wadsworth, Ohio
- Fox Chapel Area High School
- Frazier High School
- Greater Latrobe
- Greene County Homeschoolers
- Hempfield Area High School
- Madison High School, Madison, Ohio
- Mission Valley, Maple Hill, Kan.
- Moniteau School District
- Olathe Northwest High School, Kan.
- Penn State Behrend,
- Pine-Richland High School
- Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy
- Plum High School Robotics
- Punxsutawney Area High School
- Ringgold High School
- Seraph Academy, Manhattan, Kan.
- Somerset CTC
- South Park High School
- Summit Technology Academy, Lee’s Summit, Mo.
- University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Upper Arlington High School, Columbus, Ohio
- Winfield Middle School, Winfield, Kan.
* Pennsylvania schools unless otherwise indicated.