TORONTO, ONTARIO – Energy fuels the machines and systems that keep the world moving, and groups of high school students from across Ontario are reimagining its future in a sustainable way. On March 18 and 19 Humber College will host a FIRST Robotics District Competition with an energy storage theme. In partnership with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Canada, the event will take place at the college’s North Campus.
More than 30 teams and their robots will compete using skills that combine sport, science, and teamwork. Using engineering, coding, and design skills, these teams have worked collaboratively to build, program, and test their machines using various techniques including CNC machining, CAD, math, programming, and welding. Under strict rules and limited resources, teams raised funds through community outreach, designed a team brand and created a robot that could perform the prescribed tasks against a field of competitors.
“Hosting a FIRST Robotics District Competition for the fifth time aligns with Humber’s mission to prepare students for their careers,” said Gina Antonacci, senior vice-president of Academic at Humber. “This competition provides participants with the opportunity to use their skills and creativity to tackle global challenges related to sustainable energy and gain invaluable experience to prepare them for their futures.”
The competition provides a unique opportunity for students to experience hands-on engineering and design challenges in a real-world setting. Teams with the highest rankings will move to the FIRST Robotics Competition Provincial Championship to then qualify for the World Championships in Houston, Texas.
“FIRST Robotics Canada is a leader in youth STEM opportunities, and we are excited to be back to full capacity at our events this year,” said David Ellis, president, FIRST Robotics Canada. “Fierce competition mixed with a friendly and supportive atmosphere all comes together beautifully in these exciting robotics events.”
This year’s theme, CHARGED UP, addresses global challenges related to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #7 focused on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all. Using renewable energy can transform our communities, but only if it is effectively stored and delivered to those who need it. The power of engineering can help make a meaningful difference.
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About FIRST Robotics Canada
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and technology) Robotics Canada, a registered charity, is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12) that can be facilitated in school or in structured afterschool programs. Boosted by a global support system of volunteers, educators, and sponsors, teams operate under a signature set of FIRST Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements during annual challenges. FIRST's programs reach 300,000 students in 70 countries. FIRST Robotics Canada, a Canadian non-profit, started in 2002 and has reached 30,000 Canadian students and has a proven impact on STEM learning, interest, and skill-building well beyond high school. Alumni of FIRST programs gain access to exclusive scholarships, internships, and other opportunities that create connections and open pathways to a wide variety of careers. Learn more at firstroboticscanada.org
About Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Innovation. Opportunity. Partnership. Support. At Humber College, we bring it all to more than 86,000 learners, in-person and online. As a global leader in polytechnic education, Humber provides in-depth theoretical learning, hands-on, work-integrated experiences and applied research opportunities to students at three main Toronto locations and beyond. Extensive industry connections, experienced faculty and a comprehensive range of credentials, including honours undergraduate degrees, Ontario graduate certificates, diplomas, apprenticeships, and certificates prepare career-ready global citizens for success in the future world of work. Visit humber.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Sylvie Lendvay
Media Relations and External Communications Specialist
Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
Sylvie.lendvay@humber.ca | 416.729.8940
Arti Javeri
Vice-President, Partnerships
FIRST Robotics Canada
arti.javeri@firstroboticscanada.org | 647.625.2610