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Spring Arbor University to Host Robotics Competition

Robotics Competition

Hundreds of Michigan high school students pioneering the next generation of robotics will visit Spring Arbor University (SAU) on April 7-9 to compete in the FIRST in Michigan District Robotics Competition.

The competition, sponsored by Consumers Energy, is returning to SAU’s McDonald Athletic Center (MAC) for the second time in three years. FIRST in Michigan is a non-profit organization that supports the mission and vision of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).

“SAU is excited to partner with FIRST Robotics and Consumers Energy to bring high schoolers from across the state to this event. We see this as an excellent opportunity to help promote robotics and STEM programs,” says Ron Delap, Dean of the School of Engineering. 

Consumers Energy’s Vice President of Operations Performance, Chris Wisniewski will lead the competition’s opening ceremony on Friday morning. Dr. Brent Ellis, President of SAU, and Tamara J. Faber, Vice President, Technology and Chief Digital Officer of Consumers Energy, will deliver Saturday’s keynote address.

“Consumers Energy proudly supports FIRST Robotics to ensure Michigan’s brightest minds have a rich STEM experience. STEM talent largely powers our company – our pledge for net zero natural gas emissions by 2050, our clean energy transformation, and our goal to power one million electric vehicles by 2030 – so this is a natural fit for us,” Faber said. “Michigan is leading the way for robotics and these students are driving us into the future – one robot at a time!” 

Teams will display their skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as they contend for a variety of awards. 40 high school teams from Michigan will be participating in this event. Nine teams will be competing from surrounding cities in Jackson County; Such as Jackson Vectors (2611), Blue Ops Robotics (4216), FullMetal-Jackets (5205), Mountie Megabots (7197), Titanium Trojans (7209), JHS Viking Robots (7221), Golden Gears (7501), MC Hammers (7656), and Lumen Christi Titans (8300). 

The competition consists of three rounds, the first being “RAPID REACT” (presented by Boeing) where teams will compete in alliances. The initial round will be followed by “Autonomous Mode” which showcases what each team’s robot is pre-programmed to do. Finally, the competition will cap off with “Teleoperated Mode,” where drivers take control of their robots. 

This event will be open to the public, but FIRST in Michigan requires volunteers and attendees to wear a mask at all times. 

To find out more about this event, visit: http://firstinmichigan.us/FRC/jackson/