Clarkston area FIRST robotics teams spring back into action Sept. 22 at Kettering University in Flint.
Competing at the 8th Annual Kettering Kickoff robotics contest will be 36 teams from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Canada, including Clarkston groups Team RUSH and Metal Muscle.
‘It’s a lot like a sporting event,? said Bob Nichols, Kettering’s director of External Affairs and founder of the Kettering Kickoff. ‘We have become one of the top events to go to in high school robotics.?
Six weeks before the competition, students received a box of parts from Kettering. Teams are given the exact same parts, but students use their creativity to create robots with unique design and function.
‘Students participating in the Kettering Kickoff are mentored by teachers, engineers and volunteers,? he said.
‘Participants work hard for this event and spend a lot of time raising money by going out and talking to corporate sponsors.?
The 9 a.m.-5 p.m. event is free and open to the public. Kettering will present several awards to various teams.
More more information, call Bob Nichols at 810-762-9828 or email bnichols@kettering.edu. For more on the national program, visit: www.usfirst.org