ROBOTICS

Competitive robotics is “the only sport where every player can turn pro.” In robotics, teams of students, coached by us, design and build a robot to play a game—a new game each year. Robots have to be sturdy and move quickly; they may have to place, throw, or kick objects, block other robots, even deploy a separate “mini-bot” with its own task.

Robotics has all the striving, teamwork, and excitement of an athletic sport but is more inclusive and diverse. Teams can be large and there’s plenty for everyone to do. No one is turned away. Kids not only learn hardware and software engineering and mechanical skills, but also public speaking, video production, website design, safety, “gracious professionalism,” and a host of other skills.

Competitive robotics celebrates mental achievement with all the hoopla and excitement usually reserved for sports and entertainment, and it introduces the kids to many, many other people who value and excel in the same things, throughout the community, state, and nation.