Neil Arthur
A Special Invitation From Neil Arthur:
Workforce development is an ongoing hot topic in the region and around Ohio. Actually we are not really talking about just Workforce Development, were talking about Economic Development, and every community in the United States is working on this same issue.
The ones that figure it out will have their current companies expand and new companies locate within the region. Manufacturing companies need not only a solid supply chain of vendors, but also employees. Ohio has the vendor base but we are lacking in the employee readiness area.
Ohio Robotics Inc. (a 501c3 organization I work with) feels that the answer to this problem is at hand… but I am getting ahead of myself… let’s first talk about what is happening this Saturday.Come out on Saturday and see a workforce development program that is working!
That’s right, Saturday is the big day for the Xtreme BOTS competition and it’s going to be fun!
The activities begin at 8:30am as a UAV will fly the American flag around the arena!
Of course the coolest part of the event is the robots fighting to their death… ok, maybe not death, but at least trying to destroy the competition.
Here’s how it works: Each team (mostly high school) is paired with a manufacturing company to help them build the team’s design. Many robots have weapons like saw blades or chains and try to disable (or dismember) the competition… this is fun to watch!
Also throughout the day you will see all kinds of great displays in the Career Exhibition area along with some other fun things like 3D printing in action, a UAV display, a life size walking robot, a working Motoman training robot and presentations throughout the day by the WSU Engineering program.
Ohio Robotics Inc. has a plan to solve this problem, with step one being the Xtreme BOTS program… the other steps aren’t quite yet ready to be revealed but don’t worry, we’ll let you know all about them when the time is right.
Most important is that you come out to the Nutter Center on Saturday to see the competition, the excitement, support the hundreds of kids involved in the program and experience the enthusiasm first hand… you won’t be disappointed!
While you’re there be sure to stop and say hi and let any of us know what you think of the event!
See you then!
Event Schedule:
Saturday, November 2nd
WSU Nutter Center McLin Gymnasium
3640 Colonel Glenn Highway
8:00-8:30 Doors Open
8:30-8:45 National Anthem/ Color Guard
8:45-9:00 Welcome
9:00- 4:00 Competitions
4:00- 4:30 Judging/ Awards/ Closing Ceremony
9:00-4:00 Manufacturing/ Workforce Development Career Exhibits
For more information visit www.OhioRobotics.org
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