Students compete in robotics contest

Staff report

CANFIELD

More than 175 high school VEX Robotics students from across Ohio will unite at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center on Saturday for the Mahoning Valley VEX Qualifier Competition.

The tournament, which starts about 9:30 a.m., will feature more than 30 teams who will compete with and against other schools in a series of back-to-back robot challenges. Participants will compete for the championship title by executing the VEX Robotics Competition Nothing But Net game, driving robots they designed, built and programmed from the ground up using VEX EDR.

VEX Robotics Competition Nothing But Net is played by teams scoring colored balls in high and low goals and by elevating the robot in a designated climbing zone. The competition was developed by VEX Robotics Inc. and the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation, leaders in educational and competitive robotics.

Saturday’s event is one of a series of VEX Robotics Competitions occurring internationally throughout the year.

“The robots that students build and the competitions that they compete in are an inspiration to see,” said Walter Baber, engineering instructor at MCCTC. “The VEX Robotics Competition provides students with an engaging hands-on learning experience that instills a passion for science and technology which encourages them to pursue STEM-related education and careers.”

The competition is managed by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation and allows students to develop life skills including teamwork, leadership and project management.