This spring, thousands of high school students from western Pennsylvania and across the country will pack their toolkits and bring their custom-designed robots to campus.
Cal U welcomes the public to three robotics events this season. Admission to all events is free:
March 21-23: FIRST® Robotics, Greater Pittsburgh Regional Competition. In the Convocation Center arena, more than 1,100 high school students compete at FIRST®, putting their 120-lb., custom-designed robots to the test in a challenge called DESTINATION: DEEP SPACE presented by the Boeing company. Two competing alliances will combat unpredictable terrain and weather patterns, making remote robot operation essential to their mission on the planet. With only 2 minutes, 30 seconds until liftoff, the alliances must gather as many cargo pods as possible and prepare their spaceships for departure before the next sandstorm arrives.
A self-driving car from Uber will be on display 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.
About FIRST® Robotics: firstinspires.org
About the Pittsburgh regional event: pittsburghfirst.org
April 26-27: BotsIQ, Southwestern Pennsylvania Finals. Teams from 85 regional schools and community organizations battle for dominance in gladiator-style matches in the Convocation Center arena. Sparks fly as the 15-pound ’bots clash, smash and try to trash the competition.
About BotsIQ: botsiqpa.org/about
May 16-18 National Robotics League. The action is fast and furious when about 70 high school teams from across the country, including some southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ competitors, send their robots into battle inside the Convocation Center arena.
Explore the NRL: gonrl.org
Faculty or staff who wish to set up a display during the events at the Convocation Center may contact Becky McMillen, director of Conference Services, at mcmillen_b@calu.edu.